Dorsal Branch of Fourth Posterior Intercostal Artery (Right)
Ramus dorsalis arteriae intercostalis posterioris quartae
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Posterior intercostal artery.
Course: Runs posteriorly between the necks of adjacent ribs.
Branches: Spinal, medial, and lateral branches.
Supplied Structures: Spinal cord and meninges, intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the back and skin.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The dorsal branches arise from the posterior intercostal arteries as they pass by the neck of the ribs.
Course
From their origin, the dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries pass posteriorly, between the adjacent ribs, lateral to the vertebral body and medial to the superior costotransverse ligament.
Branches
A spinal branch arises near the intervertebral foramen, where it enters to reach the vertebral canal. The dorsal branch also gives rise to lateral and medial cutaneous branches.
Supplied Structures
The spinal branch supplies structures of the vertebral canal, including the spinal cord and meninges. The medial and lateral branches supply muscles of the back, including components of erector spinae, latissimus dorsi and trapezius, as well as the overlying skin.
