Intercostal arteries

Intercostal arteries
Intercostal spaces, viewed from the left
Details
Vein	Intercostal veins
Supplies	Intercostal muscles and intercostal space
Latin	Arteriae intercostales
Anatomical terminology []

The intercostal arteries are a group of arteries that supply the area between the ribs ("costae"), called the intercostal space. The highest intercostal artery (supreme intercostal artery or superior intercostal artery) is an artery in the human body that usually gives rise to the first and second posterior intercostal arteries, which supply blood to their corresponding intercostal space. It usually arises from the , which is a branch of the subclavian artery. Some anatomists may contend that there is no supreme intercostal artery, only a supreme intercostal vein.

The anterior intercostal branches of internal thoracic artery supply the upper five or six intercostal spaces. The internal thoracic artery (previously called as internal mammary artery) then divides into the superior epigastric artery and musculophrenic artery. The latter gives out the remaining anterior intercostal branches. Two in number in each space, these small vessels pass lateralward, one lying near the lower margin of the rib above, and the other near the upper margin of the rib below, and anastomose with the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta.

They are at first situated between the pleurae and the Intercostales interni, and then between the Intercostales interni and innermost. They supply the intercostal muscles and, by branches which perforate the Intercostales externi, the Pectoral muscles and the mamma.