Intercostal spaces (dave's notes) Flashcards Preview

Anatomy: Thorax (based on Dave's notes only so far) > Intercostal spaces (dave's notes) > Flashcards

Flashcards in Intercostal spaces (dave's notes) Deck (19)
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1
Q

Where in the intercostal space is the vein, artery and nerve found?

A

In between the middle and inner layers, in the neuromuscular plane, under the protection of the lip of the rib.
There are collateral branches running along the upper border but these can be ignored

2
Q

From what does the intercostal nerve arise?

A

They are a continuation of the mixed spinal nerve once it has given off its posterior ramus

3
Q

Where does the intercostal nerve run? What branches does it give off?

A

The intercostal nerve runs between the internal interocostal and the transversus thoracic group, giving a branch to supply the muscles of the space.
The main nerve has a lateral cutaneous branch and a terminal anterior cutaneous branch

4
Q

Describe the lateral cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerve

A

The lateral cutaneous branch pierces the overlying muscles dividing into anterior and posterior branches

5
Q

Describe course of the anterior cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerve

A

The anterior cutaneous branch in the upper 6 spaces passes anterior to the internal thoracic artery, then pierces the muscle to the skin.

6
Q

What supplies the skin to the anterior abdominal wall?

A

The lower five intercostal nerves slope downwards to supply the anterior abdominal wall

7
Q

Describe the first intercostal nerve

A

Very small, supplies no skin

8
Q

Describe the course of the subcostal nerve

A

this passes quickly into the abdominal cavity behind the lateral arcuate ligament

9
Q

Which lies more superficial/takes a wider path - artery or nerve?

A

In general, the nerve does

10
Q

Where do arteries enter the intercostal space?

A

At the front and back.

11
Q

Posteriorly: What supplies the upper two spaces? From whence does it arise?

A

The superior intercostal artery, arising from the costocervical trunk, subclavian part 2 XXX?Dave thinks of import.

12
Q

Posteriorly: What is the arterial supply of spaces 3-11?

A

The thoracic aortic branches with each giving a small collateral branch

13
Q

Anteriorly: From what do the anterior intercostal arteries arise from?

A

The internal thoracic artery supplies the upper six spaces, and the musculophrenic (a continuation of the internal thoracic) supplies the 7th, 8th, and 9th spaces

14
Q

Describe the veins of the intercostal space

A

In each space there is one posterior and two anterior veins that accompany the arteries

15
Q

The posterior intercostal veins are not regular. List the deviations.

A

1st space: drained by the highest/supreme interocostal vein - to the vertebral/brachiocephalic vein
2nd and 3rd space: via the superior intercostal vein - in the right drains to the azygous, and on the left to the brachiocephalic
Lower 8 spaces: drain to the azygous system (azygous on the right, hemi-azygous on the left).

16
Q

Describe the lymphatic drainage of the intercostal spaces

A

Deep lymphatics follow arteries. Anteriorly these drain to intercostal/parasternal nodes. Posteriorly these drain to the intercostal nodes.

17
Q

From what does the internal thoracic artery arise? What is its path?

A

From the first part of the subclavian artery, and passes vertically down, just lateral to the sternum. Diveds at the costal margin to the epigastric and musculophrenic. Each interocostal space receives two arteries.

18
Q

Which are the largest perforating branches of the internal thoracic artery? What do these supply?

A

The 2nd and 3rd spaces, these also supply the breast.

19
Q

What is the subpleural membrane? What are its attachments?

A

A dense layer attached to the inner border of the first rib and costal cartilage, giving rigidity to the thoracic inlet to prevent distortion.