Perforating Branches of Internal Thoracic Artery
Rami perforantes arteriae thoracicae internae
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Internal thoracic artery.
Course: Anteriorly to the skin of thoracic wall.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Pectoralis major, mammary gland, and overlying skin.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The perforating branches arise from the internal thoracic artery at points where it lies adjacent to the upper six intercostal spaces.
Course
From their origin, the perforating branches travel anteriorly through the anterior thoracic wall, piercing the intercostal and pectoralis major muscles. It is accompanied by the anterior cutaneous branches of the upper anterior rami of thoracic nerves (or intercostal nerves).
Branches
There are no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The perforating branches of the internal thoracic artery supply the intercostal and pectoral muscles and the overlying skin. Additionally, in females the second to fourth perforating branches supply the mammary gland and become enlarged during lactation.
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Internal Thoracic Artery
The internal mammary artery (IMA) is the first branch of the subclavian artery which runs down the anterior chest wall supplying perforating intercostal branches to the anterior chest wall and sternum.
