posterior intercostal artery (thoracic, 3-11)

Introduction

One of 9 pairs of arteries.

Origin

thoracic aorta

Anastomoses

• branches of musculophrenic artery
• internal thoracic artery
• superior epigastric artery
• subcostal artery
• lumbar arteries

Distribution

• structures of 9 lower intercostal spaces
• vertebral column
• spinal cord
• muscles & skin of back

More general terms

• artery