Arteries and veins of the intercostal space (Latin)

The aa. intercostales anterior et posterior pass around the thoracic wall forming a basket-like pattern of vascular supply around it. These arteries originate from the aorta thoracica and a. thoracica interna, respectively. Venous drainage generally parallels the pattern of arterial supply. The vv. intercostales anteriores drain into the v. thoracica interna, adjacent to the internal thoracic artery. Most of the v. intercostales posteriores drain into the azygos system which is represented by the v. hemiazygos accessoria at this level and left lateral perspective of the thoracic cavity. Vasa collateralia are given off towards the lower edge of each intercostal space (margo superior of rib (costa) below).