The supreme intercostal vein (highest intercostal vein) is a paired vein that drains the first
intercostal space
The intercostal space (ICS) is the anatomic space between two ribs (Lat. costa). Since there are 12 ribs on each side, there are 11 intercostal spaces, each numbered for the rib superior to it.
Structures in intercostal space
* several kind ...
on its corresponding side.
It usually drains into the
brachiocephalic vein
The left and right brachiocephalic veins (previously called innominate veins) are major veins in the upper chest, formed by the union of each corresponding internal jugular vein and subclavian vein. This is at the level of the sternoclavicular ...
.
Instant Anatomy - Thorax - Vessels - Veins - Upper intercostal
/ref> Alternatively, it drains into the superior intercostal vein
The superior intercostal veins are two veins that drain the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intercostal spaces, one vein for each side of the body.
Right superior intercostal vein
The right superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th posterior inter ...
, or the vertebral vein
The vertebral vein is formed in the suboccipital triangle, from numerous small tributaries which spring from the internal vertebral venous plexuses and issue from the vertebral canal above the posterior arch of the atlas.
They unite with small v ...
of its corresponding side.
Clinical significance
This vein does not have valves, this is an important point when it comes to spread of cancerous
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bl ...
secondaries.
Additional images
File:Gray480.png, Diagram showing completion of development of the parietal veins.
See also
* superior intercostal vein
The superior intercostal veins are two veins that drain the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intercostal spaces, one vein for each side of the body.
Right superior intercostal vein
The right superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th posterior inter ...
* posterior intercostal vein
The posterior intercostal veins are veins that drain the intercostal spaces posteriorly. They run with their corresponding posterior intercostal artery on the underside of the rib, the vein superior to the artery. Each vein also gives off a dors ...
* azygos vein
The azygos vein is a vein running up the right side of the thoracic vertebral column draining itself towards the superior vena cava. It connects the systems of superior vena cava and inferior vena cava and can provide an alternative path for blo ...
References
Veins of the torso
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