Quick Facts
Origin: Union of the second and third left posterior intercostal veins.
Course: Anteriorly, towards the left brachiocephalic vein.
Tributaries: None.
Drainage: Intercostal space, back, and skin.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The left superior intercostal vein is formed by the union of the second and third, and sometimes the fourth, posterior intercostal veins on the left-hand side.
Course
From its origin, the left superior intercostal vein travels anteriorly, crossing the arch of aorta. It is lateral to the left vagus nerve and medial to the left phrenic nerve. It joins the posterior aspect of the left brachiocephalic vein.
Tributaries
The left superior intercostal vein may receive the bronchial and left pericardiacophrenic veins. In some instances, it may connect with the accessory hemiazygos vein inferiorly.
Structures Drained
Since the left superior intercostal vein receives the second and third posterior intercostal veins, it indirectly drains the muscles of the intercostal space, muscle of the back, vertebral column, and overlying skin.
List of Clinical Correlates
- X-ray “aortic nipple”
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Intercostal Veins
The intercostal musculature contains the intercostal nerve, artery, and vein as they pass between the internal intercostal membrane and the pleura and between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles.
