Neurovascular suppy of the intercostal muscles

Question 1

Where are the intercostal vein, artery and nerve

Answer 1

Intercostal groove of the rib (lower border) between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles (in order VAN)

Question 2

Where should the needle be inserted for a pleural aspiration

Answer 2

Upper border of the rib to avoid the neurovascular bundle

Question 3

How many intercostal nerves are there

Answer 3

12

Question 4

Origin of intercostal nerves

Answer 4

Anterior rami of thoracic spinal nerves T1-12

Question 5

What do the intercostal nerves supply

Answer 5

Intercostal muscles

Parietal pleura and overlying skin

Question 6

What do intercostal arteries supply

Answer 6

Intercostal muscles

Parietal pleura and overlying skin

Question 7

What arteries anastomose with each other to supply the intercostal spaces

Answer 7

Anterior and posterior intercostal arteries

Question 8

Which ribs aren’t supplied by an anterior intercostal artery

Answer 8

11 and 12

Question 9

Arterial supply of intercostal spaces 1 and 2

Answer 9

Brachiocephalic/aortic arch -> subclavian -> internal thoracic/musculophrenic -> anterior intercostal
Brachiocephalic/aortic arch -> subclavian -> costocervical trunk -> superior intercostal -> posterior intercostal

Question 10

Arterial supply of intercostal spaces other than 1 and 2

Answer 10

Brachiocephalic/aortic arch -> subclavian -> internal thoracic/musculophrenic -> anterior intercostal
Thoracic aorta -> posterior intercostal

Question 11

What intercostal veins accompany the intercostal arteries

Answer 11

2 anterior intercostal veins

1 posterior intercostal vein

Question 12

What do anterior intercostal veins drain into

Answer 12

Internal thoracic vein -> subclavian vein

Question 13

What do left and right posterior intercostal veins drain into

Answer 13

Left: hemiazygous vein -> superior vena cava
Right: azygous vein -> superior vena cava