Anterior Cutaneous Branch of Third Intercostal Nerve (Left)
Ramus cutaneus anterior nervi intercostalis tertii
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Third 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 third intercostal nerve.
Course
As the third 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.
