Posterior Intercostal Arteries (Left) (Arteriae intercostales posteriores sinister)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The left posterior intercostal arteries are eleven paired segmental arteries supplying the intercostal spaces of the left thoracic wall. The first two spaces arise from the superior intercostal artery (costocervical trunk), while the 3rd through 11th arise directly from the thoracic aorta, running in the subcostal groove with the intercostal vein and nerve.
Clinical notes
Thoracentesis and chest drain insertions must be performed strictly along the upper border of the rib to avoid catastrophic laceration of the posterior intercostal artery in the subcostal groove.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Posterior Intercostal Arteries (Left)?
The left posterior intercostal arteries are eleven paired segmental arteries supplying the intercostal spaces of the left thoracic wall. The first two spaces arise from the superior intercostal artery (costocervical trunk), while the 3rd through 11th arise directly from the thoracic aorta, running in the subcostal groove with the intercostal vein and nerve.
Why is the Posterior Intercostal Arteries (Left) clinically important?
Thoracentesis and chest drain insertions must be performed strictly along the upper border of the rib to avoid catastrophic laceration of the posterior intercostal artery in the subcostal groove.
Source & license
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