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. 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 Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young. The process naturally occurs with all sexually mature female mammals, although it may predate mammals. The proces ...

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. {{Authority control Arteries of the thorax