human anatomy The human body is the structure of a human being. It is composed of many different types of cells that together create tissues and subsequently organ systems. They ensure homeostasis and the viability of the human body. It comprises a he ...

, the internal thoracic vein (previously known as the internal mammary vein) is a vessel that drains the

chest wall The thoracic wall or chest wall is the boundary of the thoracic cavity. Structure The bone, bony human skeleton, skeletal part of the thoracic wall is the rib cage, and the rest is made up of muscle, skin, and fasciae. The chest wall has 10 lay ...

and breasts.

Structure

Bilaterally, the internal thoracic vein arises from the

superior epigastric vein In human anatomy, superior epigastric veins are two or more venae comitantes which accompany either superior epigastric artery before emptying into the internal thoracic vein. They participate in the drainage of the superior surface of the di ...

, and accompanies the

internal thoracic artery In human anatomy, the internal thoracic artery (ITA), previously commonly known as the internal mammary artery (a name still common among surgeons), is an artery that supplies the anterior chest wall and the breasts. It is a paired artery, with on ...

along its course. It drains the

intercostal veins The intercostal veins are a group of veins which drain the area between the ribs ("costae"), called the intercostal space. They can be divided as follows: * Anterior intercostal veins * Posterior intercostal veins ** Posterior intercost vein that ...

, although the posterior drainage is often handled by the azygous veins. It terminates in the brachiocephalic vein. It has a width of 2-3 mm. There is either one or two internal thoracic veins accompanying the corresponding artery (

). If internal thoracic vein is single, it usually runs medial to the artery. If there are double thoracic veins, they run on either side of the internal thoracic artery.

Variations

Bifurcation of each internal thoracic vein is common. The left internal thoracic vein may bifurcate between ribs 3-4 or remain as a single vein. The right internal thoracic vein may bifurcate between ribs 2-4 or remain as a single vein.

Function

The internal thoracic vein drains the

and the breasts.

Clinical significance

Knowledge on the course of internal thoracic vein and artery is important during interventional procedures through the anterior chest wall such as biopsy and empyema drainage. This is to avoid puncturing the vessels and cause massive bleeding. Accidental placement of central venous catheter in the internal thoracic vein can cause pleural effusions, chest wall abscess, pulmonary edema, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Other animals

Internal thoracic vein runs just lateral to the sternum. The internal thoracic vein can act as a collateral circulation for blood from the inferior vena cava to the superior vena cava. This can work in either direction. It may partially compensate for disturbances to blood flow.

Additional images

File:Gray503.png, Transverse section of thorax, showing relations of pulmonary artery.

References

External links

Internal thoracic vein
- thefreedictionary.com {{Authority control Veins of the torso