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Third Posterior Intercostal Vein
Cardiovascular System

Third Posterior Intercostal Vein

Vena intercostalis posterior tertia

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Quick Facts

Origin: Second intercostal space.

Course: Posteriorly within the intercostal space.

Tributaries: Dorsal branch and intervertebral veins.

Drainage: Intercostal space, back, and skin.

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Origin

The posterior intercostal veins form within their corresponding intercostal space and are accompanied by the posterior intercostal artery and the anterior rami of the thoracic nerves. The vein is usually found superiorly in this arrangement.

Course

The second and third posterior intercostal veins course through their corresponding intercostal spaces. They drain the blood posteriorly, where they unite, forming the superior intercostal vein.

Tributaries

The posterior intercostal veins follow branches of the posterior intercostal arteries, thus draining the same territory the artery supplies. They receive dorsal tributaries accompanying the dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries and the intervertebral veins which accompany the spinal nerves. The posterior intercostal veins also form an anastomosis with the anterior intercostal veins.

Structures Drained

The posterior intercostal veins drain the muscles of the intercostal space, muscle of the back, vertebral column, and overlying skin.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy