Musculophrenic veins

Musculophrenic veins are paired vessels responsible for draining blood from the lower anterior intercostal spaces, the diaphragm, and regions of the anterior abdominal wall.^[1] These veins empty into the internal thoracic veins.

Anatomy

Origin and course

Musculophrenic veins arise from the convergence of veins in the lower anterior intercostal spaces and the superior diaphragm. Each vein runs obliquely along the costal margin, usually draining into the internal thoracic vein near the sixth costal cartilage.^[1]

Tributaries

Main tributaries include:

Anterior intercostal veins (lower spaces)
Diaphragmatic branches
Veins from the anterior abdominal wall^[1]

Drainage

Musculophrenic veins collect blood from:

Lower anterior intercostal spaces
Muscular diaphragm portions
Adjacent anterior abdominal wall

Relationships

The musculophrenic veins accompany the musculophrenic arteries along the costal margin but drain into the internal thoracic veins instead of central veins.^[1]

Clinical relevance

Knowledge of the musculophrenic veins is important in surgical interventions related to the diaphragm, lower thoracic wall, or anterior abdominal wall. Awareness of their pathway reduces risk during imaging or surgery.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 1040–1041. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4.

[GrayAnatomy-1] Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 1040–1041. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4.

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