Superior intercostal vein
Superior Intercostal Vein
The Superior Intercostal Vein (pronunciation: su·pe·ri·or in·ter·cos·tal vein) is a significant vein in the human body that drains the intercostal spaces.
Etymology
The term 'Superior Intercostal Vein' is derived from Latin and Greek roots. 'Superior' (Latin: 'superus') means 'above', 'intercostal' (Latin: 'inter-' and 'costa') means 'between the ribs', and 'vein' (Greek: 'phleps') refers to a blood vessel.
Anatomy
The Superior Intercostal Vein is located in the thoracic cavity, specifically in the uppermost part of the intercostal spaces. It is responsible for draining the 2nd, 3rd, and sometimes the 4th posterior intercostal veins on both sides of the body. On the right side, it drains directly into the azygos vein, while on the left side, it drains into the left brachiocephalic vein or the accessory hemiazygos vein.
Related Terms
- Intercostal space: The space between two adjacent ribs in the rib cage.
- Thoracic cavity: The chamber of the body of vertebrates that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia).
- Azygos vein: A vein running up the right side of the thoracic vertebral column draining itself towards the superior vena cava.
- Left brachiocephalic vein: A vein of the upper body that returns blood to the heart from the head, neck, and both upper limbs.
- Accessory hemiazygos vein: A vein on the left side of the vertebral column that generally drains the fifth through eighth intercostal spaces on the left side of the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superior intercostal vein
- Wikipedia's article - Superior intercostal vein
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