The spelling of "arteria intercostalis suprema" corresponds to the Latin origin of the term, with each word carrying its own phonetic values in IPA transcription. "Arteria" is pronounced /ɑrˈtɛr i ə/, "intercostalis" is pronounced /ɪn tər ˈkɑ st ə lɪs/, and "suprema" is pronounced /su prɛ mə/. This complex medical term refers to the highest intercostal artery in the chest, making it important for medical practitioners to correctly comprehend its spelling and pronunciation to ensure accurate communication in medical contexts.
The term "arteria intercostalis suprema" refers to the Latin anatomical phrase that translates to "supreme intercostal artery" in English. In human anatomy, intercostal arteries refer to the blood vessels that run along the spaces between the ribs, supplying oxygenated blood to the chest wall and nearby structures. The supreme intercostal artery specifically denotes the uppermost branch of the intercostal arteries.
The arteria intercostalis suprema typically originates from the costocervical trunk, a major branch of the subclavian artery. It courses downwards and laterally along the upper border of the first rib, frequently reaching the posterior intercostal spaces near the first and second ribs, assisting in vascular supply of these regions. This artery also contributes to collateral circulation in cases of obstruction or damage to other intercostal arteries.
Functionally, the arteria intercostalis suprema not only provides arterial blood supply but also plays a role in draining venous blood from the structures supplied by the intercostal arteries. It anastomoses with the supreme intercostal vein and neighboring arteries, forming an interconnected network that allows for efficient circulation within the chest wall. Understanding the course and distribution of the arteria intercostalis suprema is crucial in clinical settings, particularly in surgeries involving the upper thoracic region or when assessing potential sources of bleeding or vascular compromise in certain pathologies.
Superior intercostal; origin, truncus costocervicalis; distribution, structures of first and second intercostal spaces; anastomoses, anterior intercostal branches of mammaria interna.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.