INTERCOSTAL ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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The intercostal artery refers to a set of blood vessels that are responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the muscles and tissues located in the intercostal spaces of the human body. The intercostal spaces are the spaces between the ribs, and each space contains a set of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The intercostal arteries emerge from the descending aorta, a major blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.
There are typically 11 pairs of intercostal arteries. The arteries run along the inferior border of each rib, in the groove located on the inner surface of the rib, known as the costal groove. As they travel along the intercostal spaces, the arteries give off smaller branches, called collateral branches, which supply blood to the muscles, nerves, and skin in the region. These branch networks ensure that the intercostal muscles, spinal cord, and other neighboring structures receive an ample supply of oxygen and nutrients.
In addition to their role in providing blood flow, the intercostal arteries also function as vital landmarks for surgical procedures, such as thoracotomies or intercostal nerve blocks. These procedures often require precise identification and careful preservation of the intercostal arteries to prevent complications and maintain the blood supply in the region.
Common Misspellings for INTERCOSTAL ARTERY
- untercostal artery
- jntercostal artery
- kntercostal artery
- ontercostal artery
- 9ntercostal artery
- 8ntercostal artery
- ibtercostal artery
- imtercostal artery
- ijtercostal artery
- ihtercostal artery
- inrercostal artery
- infercostal artery
- ingercostal artery
- inyercostal artery
- in6ercostal artery
- in5ercostal artery
- intwrcostal artery
- intsrcostal artery
- intdrcostal artery
Etymology of INTERCOSTAL ARTERY
The word "intercostal" originates from the Latin roots "inter" meaning "between" and "costa" meaning "rib". The term "artery" is derived from the Latin word "arteria", meaning "windpipe" or "artery". In the context of the "intercostal artery", the word "intercostal" refers to the arteries that run between the ribs in the human body. So, the etymology of the term "intercostal artery" essentially means the arteries that course between the ribs.
Similar spelling words for INTERCOSTAL ARTERY
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