The internal thoracic artery (ITA) is a major artery that supplies blood to the chest and upper abdomen. It is also known as the internal mammary artery. There are two ITAs in the human body, one on each side of the sternum (breastbone).
Structure and Location
The Internal thoracic artery originates from the subclavian artery, which is a branch of the aorta. It passes through the superior thoracic aperture (opening in the thoracic cavity), and enters the thoracic cavity between the two layers of the deep cervical fascia. It then runs along the inner aspect of the sternum, and divides into two branches: the superior epigastric artery and the musculophrenic artery.
Function
The superior epigastric artery supplies blood to the upper abdomen and the musculophrenic artery supplies blood to the chest wall muscles. The Internal thoracic artery also gives off numerous smaller branches that supply blood to the chest and upper abdomen, including the intercostal arteries (which supply blood to the intercostal muscles and tissues), the perforating arteries (which supply blood to the muscles and tissues of the chest wall), and the internal thoracic veins (which drain blood from the chest and upper abdomen).
The ITA is an important vessel because it supplies blood to a number of vital organs and structures in the chest and upper abdomen. These include the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea, thymus gland, and lymph nodes.
Clinical Significance of the Internal Thoracic Artery
The ITA has a number of clinical applications and is considered a valuable artery in cardiovascular surgery. One of the most common uses of the ITA is in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), in which it is used to bypass blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.
During CABG, the ITA is harvested from the chest wall and used to create a bypass around the blocked coronary artery. The ITA is preferred for this procedure because it has a large caliber and is resistant to atherosclerotic plaque formation, which makes it less likely to become blocked in the future.
In addition to CABG, the ITA can also be used in other cardiovascular procedures, such as the repair of aortic aneurysms, the reconstruction of the aortic arch, and the repair of aortic dissection.
The ITA is also used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to repair or reconstruct the chest and breast. In these procedures, the ITA is used to provide blood supply to the reconstructed tissue and promote healing.
Overall, the internal thoracic artery is a vital artery that plays a key role in the blood supply to the chest and upper abdomen. Its use in cardiovascular and reconstructive surgery highlights its clinical significance and demonstrates its importance in maintaining the health of the body’s vital organs and structures.
