The correct spelling of the term "Internal Mammary Arteries" can be tricky. It is often pronounced as /ɪnˈtɜː.nəl ˈmæm.ər.i ˈɑː.tə.riz/ in IPA, with emphasis on the first syllable of internal and third syllable of mammary. "Internal" is spelled with two n's and "mammary" has a double m. "Arteries" is spelled with an "e" after the "t" instead of an "i." This term refers to the important arteries that supply blood to the chest area and are commonly used in heart bypass surgeries.
Internal mammary arteries are a pair of major blood vessels found in the chest region of the human body. They are part of the systemic circulation and play a crucial role in supplying oxygenated blood to various vital organs and tissues in the chest and upper abdomen.
Originating from the subclavian arteries, the internal mammary arteries descend anteriorly on each side of the sternum, closely following the path of the ribs. They give off branches that supply the anterior chest wall and the breasts. Moreover, they also send branches that penetrate the intercostal spaces to provide blood to the muscles and tissues of the chest wall.
The internal mammary arteries supply a significant portion of blood to the pericardial sac and the walls of the heart. Therefore, they have a crucial role in providing oxygen and nutrients to the cardiac muscle, aiding in its proper functioning. In addition to the heart and chest wall, the branches of the internal mammary arteries also provide blood supply to the diaphragm, spleen, and abdominal muscles.
Due to their proximity to vital structures and their importance in maintaining cardiac health, the internal mammary arteries are often used in surgical procedures, specifically coronary artery bypass grafting. In this procedure, one or both of the internal mammary arteries are harvested from the chest wall and used to bypass clogged or narrowed coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle.