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Left Superior Intercostal Vein
Cardiovascular System

Left Superior Intercostal Vein

Vena intercostalis superior sinistra

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Quick Facts

Origin: Union of the second and third left posterior intercostal veins.

Course: Anteriorly, towards the left brachiocephalic vein.

Tributaries: None.

Drainage: Intercostal space, back, and skin.

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Origin

The left superior intercostal vein is formed by the union of the second and third, and sometimes the fourth, posterior intercostal veins on the left-hand side.

Course

From its origin, the left superior intercostal vein travels anteriorly, crossing the arch of aorta. It is lateral to the left vagus nerve and medial to the left phrenic nerve. It joins the posterior aspect of the left brachiocephalic vein.

Tributaries

The left superior intercostal vein may receive the bronchial and left pericardiacophrenic veins. In some instances, it may connect with the accessory hemiazygos vein inferiorly.

Structures Drained

Since the left superior intercostal vein receives the second and third posterior intercostal veins, it indirectly drains the muscles of the intercostal space, muscle of the back, vertebral column, and overlying skin.

List of Clinical Correlates

- X-ray “aortic nipple”

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy