Supreme intercostal vein explained

Supreme intercostal vein
Latin:vena intercostalis suprema
Drainsto:Brachiocephalic vein
Artery:Intercostal arteries

The supreme intercostal vein (highest intercostal vein) is a paired vein that drains the first intercostal space on its corresponding side.

It usually drains into the brachiocephalic vein.[1] Alternatively, it drains into the superior intercostal vein, or the vertebral vein of its corresponding side.

Clinical significance

This vein does not have valves, this is an important point when it comes to spread of cancerous secondaries.

See also

References

  1. http://www.instantanatomy.net/thorax/vessels/vupperintercostal.html Instant Anatomy - Thorax - Vessels - Veins - Upper intercostal