Posterior intercostal veins

Posterior intercostal veins
The thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side. (Intercostals visible at right.)
Details
ArteryPosterior intercostal arteries
Identifiers
Latinvenae intercostales posteriores
TA98A12.3.07.014
TA24750, 4759, 4765, 4799
FMA70890
Anatomical terminology

The posterior intercostal veins are veins that drain the intercostal spaces posteriorly. They run with their corresponding posterior intercostal artery on the underside of the rib, the vein superior to the artery. Each vein also gives off a dorsal branch that drains blood from the muscles of the back.

There are eleven posterior intercostal veins on each side. Their patterns are variable, but they are commonly arranged as: