Internal thoracic artery

Definition

The internal thoracic artery, formerly known as the internal mammary artery, is a major artery that runs along the inside of the chest wall. It supplies blood to the chest wall and breasts, branching off from the subclavian artery.

Related terms

Subclavian Artery:

A major artery that supplies blood to the upper limbs and some parts of the head and thorax.

Coronary Arteries:

These are arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself, branching off directly from the aorta.

Anterior Intercostal Arteries: These arteries branch off from the internal thoracic artery and supply blood to the muscles and other structures between the ribs