dorsal branch (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The dorsal branch of the posterior intercostal artery is given off at the level of each intercostal space from either the:
- superior intercostal artery in the first two interspaces
- thoracic aorta in the more inferior interspaces
It passes posteriorly, superior to the transverse process of the vertebral body at its level and in the company of the dorsal ramus of the respective spinal nerve.
It supplies the:
- vertebrae
- spinal cord
- dorsal muscle groups of the spine
- skin in the posterior paraspinal areas of the thoracic cage