The musculophrenic artery is a small artery located in the chest that supplies blood to the muscles and tissues of the chest wall.
Structure
The musculophrenic artery is a branch of the internal thoracic artery, which is a major artery of the chest that arises from the subclavian artery. The internal thoracic artery gives rise to the musculophrenic artery at the level of the sixth intercostal space.
The musculophrenic artery is a small artery, ranging in diameter from 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters. It divides into two branches: the upper branch and the lower branch. The upper branch runs along the inner surface of the ribcage and supplies blood to the muscles of the chest wall. The lower branch runs along the outer surface of the ribcage and supplies blood to the abdominal wall.
Location
The musculophrenic artery is located on the inner surface of the ribcage, between the ribs. It runs parallel to the ribs, from the sternum towards the back of the chest.
Function
The main function of the musculophrenic artery is to supply blood to the muscles and tissues of the chest wall. This includes the muscles of the chest, the skin, and the intercostal spaces between the ribs.
The musculophrenic artery also plays a role in maintaining the temperature of the body by regulating blood flow to the skin. During periods of increased heat, the artery dilates to allow more blood to flow to the skin, helping to dissipate heat.
Clinical Significance
Problems with the musculophrenic artery can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain in the chest wall, difficulty breathing, and changes in skin temperature or color.
One common issue with the musculophrenic artery is atherosclerosis, or the build-up of plaque in the artery. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the chest wall and surrounding tissues, causing pain and other symptoms.
Another potential problem with the musculophrenic artery is an aneurysm, or a bulge in the artery wall. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions. An aneurysm can rupture, leading to serious bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications.
Overall, the musculophrenic artery is an important structure that plays a vital role in the functioning of the chest and surrounding tissues. It is important to maintain the health and function of this artery to prevent pain and other symptoms.
