The superior intercostal veins are two
veins
Veins () are blood vessels in the circulatory system of humans and most other animals that carry blood towards the heart. Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart; exceptions are those of the pulmonary and fetal c ...
that drain the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
intercostal spaces
The intercostal space (ICS) is the anatomic space between two ribs (Lat. costa). Since there are 12 ribs on each side, there are 11 intercostal spaces, each numbered for the rib superior to it.
Structures in intercostal space
* several kind ...
, 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
The azygos vein (from Ancient Greek ἄζυγος (ázugos), meaning 'unwedded' or 'unpaired') is a vein running up the right side of the thoracic vertebral column draining itself towards the superior vena cava. It connects the systems of superio ...
.
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 usually drains into the left
brachiocephalic vein
The left and right brachiocephalic veins (previously called innominate veins) are major veins in the Thorax, upper chest, formed by the union of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein and subclavian vein (the so-called venous angle) behind the ster ...
.
It may also communicate with the
accessory hemiazygos vein.
As it passes posteriorly above the
aortic arch
The aortic arch, arch of the aorta, or transverse aortic arch () is the part of the aorta between the ascending and descending aorta. The arch travels backward, so that it ultimately runs to the left of the trachea.
Structure
The aorta begins ...
, it crosses deep to the
phrenic nerve
The phrenic nerve is a mixed nerve that originates from the C3–C5 spinal nerves in the neck. The nerve is important for breathing because it provides exclusive motor control of the diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration. In humans, t ...
and the
pericardiacophrenic vessels and then superficial to the
vagus nerve
The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve (CN X), plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary functions within the human body. This nerve carries both sensory and motor fibe ...
.
See also
*
Supreme intercostal vein
The supreme intercostal vein (highest intercostal vein) is a paired vein that drains the first intercostal space on its corresponding side.
It usually drains into the brachiocephalic vein. Alternatively, it drains into the superior intercostal v ...
*
Posterior intercostal veins
References
External links
*
* - The Azygos Vein and Posterior Intercostal Veins
Thoracic veins
Veins of the torso
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