Superior intercostal vein

Diagram of the superior intercostal vein and its tributaries.

The superior intercostal vein is a vein that drains the upper intercostal spaces of the thoracic wall. It is an important component of the venous system in the thorax and plays a role in returning deoxygenated blood from the intercostal spaces to the heart.

Anatomy

The superior intercostal vein is formed by the union of the second, third, and sometimes the fourth posterior intercostal veins. It is located in the upper part of the thoracic cavity and runs along the posterior aspect of the thoracic wall.

Right Superior Intercostal Vein

The right superior intercostal vein drains into the azygos vein. It ascends on the right side of the vertebral column and arches over the root of the right lung to join the azygos vein.

Left Superior Intercostal Vein

The left superior intercostal vein drains into the left brachiocephalic vein. It ascends on the left side of the vertebral column and crosses the arch of the aorta to reach the left brachiocephalic vein.

Function

The primary function of the superior intercostal vein is to collect blood from the upper intercostal spaces and transport it to the larger veins of the thorax, such as the azygos vein on the right and the left brachiocephalic vein on the left. This blood is then returned to the superior vena cava and subsequently to the right atrium of the heart.

Clinical Significance

The superior intercostal vein is of clinical importance because it can be involved in certain medical conditions. For example, it may become engorged or compressed in cases of superior vena cava syndrome, where the superior vena cava is obstructed. Additionally, it may be visualized during imaging studies of the thorax and can be a landmark for identifying other structures.

Related Pages

• Azygos vein
• Brachiocephalic vein
• Intercostal veins
• Thoracic wall