Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Fourth Intercostal Nerve (Left)
Ramus cutaneus lateralis nervi intercostalis quarti
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Fourth intercostal nerve.
Course: Pierces the chest wall anterior to serratus anterior muscle.
Branches: Anterior and posterior branches.
Supply: Skin of overlying fourth intercostal space.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The lateral cutaneous branch of anterior ramus of fourth thoracic nerve (or fourth intercostal nerve) arises from the anterior ramus of the fourth thoracic nerve roughly along the mid-axillary line.
Course
The lateral cutaneous branch may travel for a short distance with its parent nerve (the anterior ramus) within the intercostal space. It then pierces the thoracic wall through the internal and external intercostal muscles, emerging just anterior to the serratus anterior muscle.
Branches
The lateral cutaneous branch further subdivides into anterior and posterior branches. The anterior branches extend towards the pectoralis major, while the posterior branches extend backwards towards the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Supplied Structures & Function
The lateral cutaneous branch of the fourth intercostal nerve (or anterior ramus of fourth thoracic nerve) conveys sensory innervation from the skin overlying the fourth intercostal space, at the same level as the nipple. See our dermatome map for cutaneous innervation.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Intercostal Nerve
Slipping rib syndrome is produced by impingement of an intercostal nerve between two costal cartilages, secondary to the subluxation of an interchondral articulation.
