Left superior intercostal vein (Vena intercostalis superior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Drains the upper intercostal spaces; the right joins the azygos arch, while the left crosses the aortic arch to enter the left brachiocephalic vein.
Clinical notes
The left superior intercostal vein produces the radiographic "aortic nipple" seen on normal chest radiographs; dilates in SVC obstruction.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Left superior intercostal vein?
Drains the upper intercostal spaces; the right joins the azygos arch, while the left crosses the aortic arch to enter the left brachiocephalic vein.
Why is the Left superior intercostal vein clinically important?
The left superior intercostal vein produces the radiographic "aortic nipple" seen on normal chest radiographs; dilates in SVC obstruction.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details