Superior thoracic artery
Encyclopedia
The superior thoracic artery (highest thoracic artery) is a small vessel normally arising from the first division of the axillary artery
, but may arise from the thoracoacromial artery
, itself a branch of the second division of the axillary artery.
Running forward and medially along the upper border of the pectoralis minor, the superior thoracic artery passes between it and the pectoralis major to the side of the chest.
It supplies branches to the first and second intercostal spaces as well as to the superior portion of serratus anterior.
It anastomoses with the internal mammary and intercostal arteries
.
Axillary artery
In human anatomy, the axillary artery is a large blood vessel that conveys oxygenated blood to the lateral aspect of the thorax, the axilla and the upper limb...
, but may arise from the thoracoacromial artery
Thoracoacromial artery
The thoracoacromial artery is a short trunk, which arises from the forepart of the axillary artery, its origin being generally overlapped by the upper edge of the Pectoralis minor.-Branches:...
, itself a branch of the second division of the axillary artery.
Running forward and medially along the upper border of the pectoralis minor, the superior thoracic artery passes between it and the pectoralis major to the side of the chest.
It supplies branches to the first and second intercostal spaces as well as to the superior portion of serratus anterior.
It anastomoses with the internal mammary and intercostal arteries
Intercostal arteries
The intercostal arteries are a group of arteries that supply the area between the ribs , called the intercostal space.* Highest intercostal artery - first and second intercostal spaces...
.