Vein: Supreme intercostal vein
Intercostal spaces, viewed from the left. (Highest intercostal vein labeled at upper right.)
The venæ cavæ and azygos veins, with their tributaries. (Highest intercostal labeled, very faintly, written vertically, to the right of the aortic arch.)
Latin	vena intercostalis suprema
Gray's	subject #172 666
Drains to	brachiocephalic vein
Artery	intercostal arteries

The supreme intercostal vein (highest intercostal vein) is a paired vein that drains the first intercostal space on its corresponding side.

It usually drains into the brachiocephalic vein.^[1] It can also drain into the superior intercostal vein, or the vertebral vein of its corresponding side.

Clinical significance

This vein does not have valves, this is an important point when it comes to spread of cancerous secondaries.

Additional images

Diagram showing completion of development of the parietal veins.

See also

• superior intercostal vein
• posterior intercostal vein
• azygos vein

References

1. ^ Instant Anatomy - Thorax - Vessels - Veins - Upper intercostal

External links

• -1898971076 at GPnotebook

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