Arteries

Question 1

Posterior Intercostal Arteries

Answer 1

• are branches of thoracic aorta
• run in intercostals spaces 3-11
• spaces 1 and 2 are supplied by branches of the subclavian a.

Question 2

Internal Thoracic Arteries

Answer 2

• branches of subclavian
• run vertically, deep to costal cartilage,
• give off a pair of anterior intercostal arteries in spaces 1-6 that anastomose with posterior Intercostals arteries
• at level of 6th costal cartilage, bifurcates into:
  a. Musculophrenic a.
  b. Superior Epigastric a.

Question 3

Describe the Musculophrenic a. and Superior Epigastric a.?

Answer 3

Musculophrenic a.:
1. Helps supply diaphragm
2. gives off anterior intercostal aa. to lower spaces

Superior Epigastric a.:
1. Continues into abdominal wall
2. Runs on deep surface of rectus abdominis muscle