Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Posterior intercostal vein
Introduction
The supreme intercostal vein (highest intercostal vein) is a paired vein that drains the first intercostal space on its corresponding side.
It can drain into either the brachiocephalic vein, the superior intercostal vein, or the vertebral vein of its corresponding side.
This vein does not have valves, this is an important point when it comes to spread of cancerous secondaries.
Additional images
Additional images
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Diagram showing completion of development of the parietal veins.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]