Dorsal intercostal arteries
Arteriae intercostales dorsales
Definition
The dorsal intercostal arteries are paired branches of the thoracic aorta that run along the caudal border of each rib within the intercostal spaces, providing blood supply to the intercostal muscles, vertebrae, spinal cord (via dorsal branches), and overlying skin.
Originate directly from the thoracic aorta (except the first few, which may arise from the costocervical trunk, supreme intercostal artery or deep cervical artery).
Typically there are 12–13 pairs, corresponding to the intercostal spaces.
Each artery gives off:
Dorsal branches → to epaxial muscles and spinal cord
Collateral branches → to adjacent intercostal spaces
Lateral cutaneous branches → to the skin
They anastomose ventrally with the ventral intercostal arteries (from the internal thoracic artery).
They ensure vascularization of the thoracic wall and contribute to spinal cord perfusion through segmental spinal branches.
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