Internal thoracic vein

Gray577.png

Vein draining the chest wall and breasts

General Information
Latin	vena thoracica interna
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The internal thoracic vein (also known as the internal mammary vein) is a vessel that drains the chest wall and breasts. It is a paired vein, meaning there is one on each side of the body.

Anatomy

The internal thoracic vein runs alongside the internal thoracic artery, which it accompanies. It originates from the superior epigastric vein and ascends along the inner surface of the anterior chest wall. The vein then drains into the brachiocephalic vein.

Tributaries

The internal thoracic vein receives blood from several smaller veins, including:

• Superior epigastric vein
• Musculophrenic vein
• Anterior intercostal veins

Clinical significance

The internal thoracic vein is often used in coronary artery bypass surgery as a conduit for grafting. Its proximity to the internal thoracic artery makes it a convenient choice for surgeons.

See also

• Internal thoracic artery
• Brachiocephalic vein
• Superior epigastric vein
• Musculophrenic vein
• Anterior intercostal veins

References

   This article is a Cardiovascular system stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!