The vena mammaria interna, also known as the internal mammary vein, is a vein that plays a significant role in the circulatory system. It is classified as an internal jugular vein due to its location and mainly runs parallel to the internal mammary artery. The vena mammaria interna is found within the chest region, alongside the sternum, and it drains blood from the anterior chest wall.
It originates from the superior epigastric vein, which is in the lower abdomen region, and ascends upwards through the abdomen, ultimately running alongside the internal mammary artery on both sides of the body. Along its pathway, the vena mammaria interna receives tributaries from various surrounding structures, such as intercostal veins, veins from the diaphragm, and veins from the muscles of the chest wall.
Eventually, the vena mammaria interna terminates into the corresponding subclavian vein, which is responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the upper extremities. Once the deoxygenated blood from the internal mammary vein reaches the subclavian vein, it becomes part of the larger systemic venous circulation.
Due to its proximity to the heart and its connection to the internal mammary artery, the vena mammaria interna is often utilized in surgical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting. In such cases, the internal mammary vein is commonly harvested and utilized as a graft to bypass a diseased coronary artery, thus restoring blood flow to the heart.
