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Lateral Thoracic Vein
Cardiovascular System

Lateral Thoracic Vein

Vena thoracica lateralis

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Quick Facts

Origin: Union of smaller veins on the lateral thoracic wall.

Course: Superiorly along the lateral thoracic wall, draining into the axillary vein.

Tributaries: Lateral mammary branches of lateral thoracic vein.

Drainage: Pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and serratus anterior muscles, the breasts.

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Origin

The lateral thoracic vein is formed by the union of smaller veins that drain the lateral part of the anterior thoracic wall.

Course

From its origin, the lateral thoracic vein travels superiorly along the lateral thoracic wall. It ends by draining into the axillary vein.

Tributaries

Along its course, its lateral mammary branches drain into lateral thoracic vein.

Structures Drained

Overall, the lateral thoracic veins and its tributaries provide venous drainage to the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and serratus anterior muscles, as well as the mammary glands.

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