Superior intercostal vein

Superior intercostal vein

Intercostal spaces, viewed from the left
Details
Source
Posterior intercostal veins #2, #3, and #4
Drains to Azygos vein, brachiocephalic vein
Artery Intercostal arteries
Identifiers
Latin Vena intercostalis superior dextra,
vena intercostalis superior sinistra
TA A12.3.04.024
A12.3.07.003
FMA 4797

Anatomical terminology

The superior intercostal veins are two veins that drain the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intercostal spaces, one vein for each side of the body.

Right superior intercostal vein

The right superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th posterior intercostal veins on the right side of the body. It flows into the azygos vein.

Left superior intercostal vein

The left superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd and 3rd posterior intercostal veins on the left side of the body. It drains into the left brachiocephalic vein. It may also communicate with the accessory hemiazygos vein.

As it passes posteriorly above the aortic arch, it crosses deep to the phrenic nerve and the pericardiacophrenic vessels and then superficial to the vagus nerve.

See also

External links


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