Definition

Noun: 1. Intercostal vein: Any of the veins that accompany the intercostal arteries, draining blood from the intercostal spaces (the areas between the ribs) and the muscles located there. These veins ultimately return deoxygenated blood to the systemic venous system.

Usage

The term is used in technical, medical, and anatomical contexts to specify a particular set of veins related to the thoracic wall. * The surgeon carefully avoided the vena intercostalis during the procedure. * A blockage in an intercostal vein can cause localized pain and swelling.

Advanced Usage

• The plural form is venae intercostales.
• These veins are often discussed in relation to their corresponding intercostal arteries and nerves, which together form the neurovascular bundle running along the inferior border of each rib.
• In clinical settings, the simpler English term "intercostal vein" is more commonly used than the full Latin phrase .

Variants and Related Words

• Intercostal vein: The direct English equivalent and more frequent term.
• Intercostal space: The anatomical area between adjacent ribs that contains the intercostal vein, artery, and nerve.
• Azygos vein / Hemiazygos vein: Major venous structures into which the posterior venae intercostales typically drain.

Synonyms

• Intercostal vein

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "vena intercostalis" has a single, specific anatomical meaning. It does not have general or figurative meanings outside of medical science.

Noun

1. several veins draining the intercostal spaces of the rib cage