Highest intercostal artery

Artery: Highest intercostal artery
The thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side. (Highest intercostal artery labeled at upper right.)
Latin	arteria intercostalis suprema
Gray's	subject #148 585
Source	costocervical trunk
Vein	intercostal veins

The highest intercostal artery (supreme intercostal artery, superior intercostal artery) is an artery in the human body that usually gives rise to the first and second posterior intercostal arteries, which supply blood to their corresponding intercostal space. It usually arises from the costocervical trunk, which is a branch of the subclavian artery. Some anatomists may contend that there is no supreme intercostal artery, only a supreme intercostal vein.

See also

• Supreme intercostal vein
• Superior intercostal vein
• Posterior intercostal veins

External links

• supreme+intercostal+artery at eMedicine Dictionary
• http://www.instantanatomy.net/thorax/vessels/aupperintercostalarteries.html