Left second posterior intercostal artery (Arteria intercostalis posterior secunda)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
Arises from the superior intercostal artery of the costocervical trunk, coursing forward in the second intercostal space beneath the costal groove to supply intercostal muscles and thoracic wall.
Clinical notes
Vital landmark during thoracentesis and chest tube placement; instruments are inserted over the superior border of the lower rib to avoid lacerating the neurovascular bundle.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Left second posterior intercostal artery?
Arises from the superior intercostal artery of the costocervical trunk, coursing forward in the second intercostal space beneath the costal groove to supply intercostal muscles and thoracic wall.
Why is the Left second posterior intercostal artery clinically important?
Vital landmark during thoracentesis and chest tube placement; instruments are inserted over the superior border of the lower rib to avoid lacerating the neurovascular bundle.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details