Thoracic Branches of the Internal Thoracic Artery

Sternal branches of the internal mammary artery: anatomy and functions

The Internal Thoracic Artery (ITA) is one of the most important arteries of the chest, supplying blood to many organs and tissues in the chest area. The sternal branches of the internal mammary artery (Rami sternales, PNA, BNA, JNA) are important branches of the ITA that provide blood supply to the chest wall and other organs in the chest area.

Anatomy of the sternal branches of the internal mammary artery

The sternal branches of the internal mammary artery are branches that radiate from the main trunk of the internal mammary artery. They pass through the openings between the ribs towards the thoracic sternum. In total, the sternal branch of the internal mammary artery has four branches: Rami sternales, PNA, BNA and JNA.

Rami sternales (sternal branches) are branches that run along the thoracic sternum and supply blood to many tissues and muscles of the chest wall.

The PNA (anterior supracostal arteries) are branches that run along the lower ribs and supply blood to the muscles and tissues in the abdominal area.

The BNA (posterior supracostal arteries) are branches that run along the upper ribs and supply blood to the muscles and tissues in the back area.

The JNA (supraclavicular artery) is a branch that runs to the upper chest and supplies blood to the muscles and tissues in the neck and shoulder area.

Functions of the sternal branches of the internal mammary artery

The sternal branches of the internal mammary artery have an important role in providing blood supply to the chest wall and other organs in the chest area. Rami sternales provide blood supply to the muscles and tissues of the chest wall, which is important for maintaining their functional activity. PNA and BNA provide blood supply to the muscles and tissues in the abdomen and back, which is important for maintaining their functional activity. JNA provides blood supply to the muscles and tissues in the neck and shoulder area, which is important for maintaining their functional activity.

In conclusion, the sternal branches of the internal mammary artery are important branches of the ITA, providing blood supply to the chest wall and other organs in the chest area. They play an important role in maintaining the functional activity of muscles and tissues in the chest wall, abdomen, back, neck and shoulders. Understanding the anatomy and function of the sternal branches of the internal mammary artery is important for surgeons, cardiologists, and other medical specialists who work with patients requiring treatment for diseases of the chest and cardiovascular system.



The internal mammary artery (IMA) is one of the main arteries in the thoracic cavity, providing blood supply to various organs and tissues in this area. It runs along the inner surface of the chest and has several branches, including the sternal branches.

The sternal branches of the internal mammary artery (rami sternales) are small arterial branches that arise from the internal mammary artery and supply blood to the chest walls and intercostal muscles. They are an important part of the anatomy of the chest cavity and play a role in maintaining normal chest function.

The sternal branches of the internal mammary artery include the prevertebral intercostal arteries (PNA), back intercostal arteries (BNA), and anterior intercostal arteries (JNA). Each of these branches provides blood supply to a specific area of ​​the chest wall.

The prevertebral sternal arteries (PNA) are located in front of the spine and provide blood supply to the anterior chest wall. They arise from the internal mammary artery and penetrate the intercostal spaces to reach the anterior surface of the chest. PNAs provide blood supply to the pectoral muscles and ribs.

The posterior sternal arteries (BNA) arise from the internal mammary artery and run towards the back of the chest. They provide blood supply to the back of the chest walls and back muscles.

The anterior sternal arteries (JNA) are smaller branches of the internal mammary artery and run towards the front of the chest. They provide blood supply to the anterior areas of the chest wall and chest muscles.

The sternal branches of the internal mammary artery play an important role in providing blood supply to the chest wall and surrounding tissues. This ensures adequate nutrition and oxygen supply to the pectoral muscles, ribs and other structures in the chest cavity. In addition, the sternal branches are involved in thermoregulation and help maintain heat exchange in this area.

In conclusion, the sternal branches of the internal mammary artery are an important component of the anatomy of the thoracic cavity, providing blood supply to the chest wall and intercostal muscles. These include the prevertebral sternal arteries (PNA), posterior sternal arteries (BNA), and anterior sternal arteries (JNA). Each of these branches plays a different role in providing blood supply to different areas of the chest.

I hope this article about the sternal branches of the internal mammary artery was useful and informative. They are an important part of the anatomy of the chest cavity and play a role in providing blood supply to the chest wall.