Anterior Cutaneous Branch of Fourth Intercostal Nerve (Left)
Ramus cutaneus anterior nervi intercostalis quarti
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Fourth intercostal nerve.
Course: Pierces the anterior chest wall.
Branches: Medial and lateral branches.
Supply: Skin of the anterior thoracic wall.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The anterior cutaneous branch arises as the terminal branch of the fourth intercostal nerve.
Course
As the anterior ramus of fourth intercostal nerve reaches the anterior portion of the intercostal space, the parasternal line, it pierces through the internal intercostal muscle and external intercostal membrane, and subsequently the pectoralis major muscle, as the anterior cutaneous branch.
Branches
The anterior cutaneous branches divide into medial and lateral branches that extend over the sternum and pectoralis major muscle, respectively.
Supplied Structures & Function
The anterior cutaneous branch conveys sensory information from the skin of the anterior thoracic wall. See our dermatome map for cutaneous innervation.
