Anatomy of intercostal

space
By
Dr. Ahmed

Intercostal Spaces

Definition:
space between two adjacent ribs and their
costal cartilages
Contents :
i. Intercostal muscles
ii. Intercostal nerve
iii. Intercostal vessels
Intercostal Muscles (superficial to deep)
i. External intercostal muscle
ii. Internal intercostal muscle
iii. Innermost intercostal muscle

Intercostal Spaces
ii. Intercostal Nerves

anterior primary rami of

thoracic spinal nerves
Unique Feature
Classification
1. (2) special nerves(1st ,
12th )
2. (5) Typical intercostal
nerves (2nd- 6th )
3. (5) Atypical intercostal
nerve (7th- 11th )

Intercostal Spaces
Anatomy of Typical Intercostal Nerve

Origin
Course
Branches

Intercostal Spaces
iii. Arterial Supply of thoracic wall

Anterior and Posterior Intercostal

Arteries
upper nine intercostal spaces contain three
arteries per space
one posterior intercostal artery
two anterior intercostal arteries,.
The 10th & 11th spaces (being too short
and with open anterior ends), contain a
single posterior intercostal artery in each
space.

Intercostal Spaces
a. Posterior Intercostal Arteries

Intercostal Spaces
b. Anterior Intercostal Arteries

Intercostal Spaces
c. Intercostal Veins

Quiz 1
A 33years old patient is suffering from a
sudden occlusion at the origin of the
descending aorta(thoracic).
This condition is likely decrease blood flow in
which of the following intercostals
arteries?.
Upper six anterior
All of the posterior
Upper two posterior
Lower anterior
Lower nine posterior