Intercostal veins

Intercostal veins are a group of veins that drain the area between the ribs, known as the intercostal space. They are part of the cardiovascular system and play a crucial role in the circulation of blood in the body.

Etymology

The term "intercostal" comes from the Latin words "inter", meaning between, and "costa", meaning rib. Thus, "intercostal" literally means "between the ribs".

Anatomy

The intercostal veins are located in the intercostal spaces, which are the spaces between the ribs. There are typically 11 intercostal veins on each side of the body, corresponding to the 11 intercostal spaces. Each intercostal vein is accompanied by an intercostal artery and an intercostal nerve.

The intercostal veins can be divided into three groups: the anterior intercostal veins, the posterior intercostal veins, and the supreme intercostal veins.

Anterior Intercostal Veins

The anterior intercostal veins drain the front part of the intercostal spaces. They empty into the internal thoracic vein.

Posterior Intercostal Veins

The posterior intercostal veins drain the back part of the intercostal spaces. They empty into the azygos vein on the right side of the body and the hemiazygos vein on the left side.

Supreme Intercostal Veins

The supreme intercostal veins are the highest of the intercostal veins. They drain the first two intercostal spaces. On the right side of the body, the supreme intercostal vein usually drains into the brachiocephalic vein. On the left side, it usually drains into the left superior intercostal vein.

Function

The main function of the intercostal veins is to return deoxygenated blood from the intercostal spaces to the heart. This is part of the body's overall circulatory system.

Related Terms

• Intercostal arteries
• Intercostal nerves
• Intercostal muscles
• Intercostal space

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