Quick Facts
Origin: Union of tributaries from the inferior intercostal spaces.
Course: Ascends obliquely along the margin of the ribs.
Tributaries: Lower anterior intercostal veins.
Drainage: Lower intercostal spaces and respiratory diaphragm.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The musculophrenic veins originate from the union of anterior intercostal veins of the lower intercostal spaces.
Course
The musculophrenic vein ascends obliquely along the margin of the ribs and drains into the internal thoracic veins at the level of the sixth costal cartilage.
Tributaries
The musculophrenic vein receives the anterior intercostal veins and tributaries from the superior surface of the respiratory diaphragm.
Structures Drained
The musculophrenic veins drain the muscles of the intercostal space, abdominal wall, diaphragm, and lower part of the pericardium.
