superior intercostal vein (right, anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The right superior intercostal vein drains the posterolateral part of the left second, third and occasionally the fourth intercostal spaces. Tributaries from each interspace merge near the lateral surface of the third vertebral body before the vein passes anteriorly and slightly inferiorly to join to the superior part of the arch of the azygous vein.

The right superior intercostal vein has a different route to its counterpart on the left side.