Arcade-Like Anastomoses between the Posterior Intercostal Arteries in Man

Abstract

The intercostal arteries of 12 nonpreserved human bodies were investigated: in 8 specimens they were injected with Latex® for anatomical preparation, 4 specimens were radiographed after injection of Angiographin®. Arcade-shaped anastomoses were consistently found to be present between neighboring intercostal arteries IV–VIII; frequently, inconstant arcade-like communications were seen as far down as the 11th intercostal artery. The superior and inferior ends of each arcade were equidistant from the aorta as were the right and left arcades. Communications on the right side were stronger than those on the left.