Fifth Anterior Intercostal Branch of Internal Thoracic Artery (Right)
Ramus intercostalis anterior quintus arteriae thoracicae internae
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Internal thoracic artery.
Course: Along corresponding intercostal space.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Intercostal space and pectoralis muscles, breast, and skin.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The anterior intercostal branches supplying the upper six intercostal spaces arise from the internal thoracic artery.
Course
As the internal thoracic artery descends in the thorax, it gives off six pairs of anterior intercostal branches. The anterior intercostal branches enter the upper six intercostal spaces, first between the pleura of the lungs and the internal intercostal muscles, then between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles. They extend in the intercostal space to anastomose with the posterior intercostal arteries and their corresponding collateral branches.
Branches
The anterior intercostal branches have no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The anterior intercostal branches supply the intercostal and pectoral muscles, the breast, and skin.
