Perforating branches of internal thoracic artery

The perforating branches of the internal thoracic artery pierce through the internal intercostal muscles of the superior six intercostal spaces. These small arteries run with the anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves.

perforating branches of internal thoracic artery
Details
Sourceinternal thoracic artery
Identifiers
Latinrami perforantes arteria thoracicae internae
TA98A12.2.08.036
TA24583
FMA71519
Anatomical terminology

The perforating arteries constitute part of the blood supply to the pectoralis major and the overlying tissue and skin. The second, third and fourth perforating branches give off medial mammary branches, which become enlarged during lactation.

References

Chung, Kyung Wong, Ph.D. Board Review Series: Gross Anatomy, 3rd ed. 114-115. Williams and Wilkins: 1995.

Lockhart, R.D., et al. "Anatomy of the Human Body." Faber and Faber. 1972.

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