intercostal artery
The surgeon carefully identifies the intercostal artery during the procedure.
Noun: 1. An artery located between the ribs: An intercostal artery is one of several arteries that run along the lower border of each rib, within the intercostal space (the space between two adjacent ribs). Its primary function is to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles, skin, and other tissues of the thoracic wall.
The term intercostal artery is used in medical, anatomical, and biological contexts to refer to these specific blood vessels. - The surgeon carefully avoided the intercostal artery while making the incision between the ribs. - Damage to an intercostal artery can lead to significant internal bleeding within the chest wall.
- Clinical Significance: The are clinically important. They can be a source of bleeding after chest trauma or during thoracic surgery. They are also sometimes used as grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery.
- The patient's hemothorax was caused by a lacerated
intercostal artery.
- Intercostal (Adjective): Pertaining to the space between the ribs.
- The
intercostalmuscles assist with breathing.
- Artery (Noun): A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
- Posterior intercostal arteries: A specific pair of that arise from the aorta.
- Anterior intercostal arteries: A specific pair of that arise from the internal thoracic artery.
- Thoracic artery (This is a broader, less specific term that can refer to several arteries in the chest, including the intercostals).
- Costal artery (A less common synonym).
The term intercostal artery almost exclusively refers to the anatomical structure described. It does not have idiomatic or figurative meanings. In detailed anatomical study, it is often specified further as a posterior or anterior intercostal artery, indicating its precise origin.
The surgeon carefully identifies the intercostal artery during the procedure.
- several arteries and supplying the intercostal spaces of the rib cage