Quick Facts
Origin: Union of the second and third right posterior intercostal veins.
Course: Descends towards the azygos vein.
Tributaries: None.
Drainage: Intercostal space, back, and skin.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The right superior intercostal vein is formed by the union of the second and third, and sometimes the fourth, posterior intercostal veins on the right-hand side.
Course
From its origin, the right superior intercostal vein travels inferiorly to reach the azygos vein. It is one of the last tributaries of the azygos vein before it returns blood to the superior vena cava.
Tributaries
There are no named tributaries.
Structures Drained
Since the right 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.
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.
