Vasculature of the Thorax

Overview

The thoracic vasculature provides essential blood supply to the thoracic organs and acts as a major conduit between the systemic and pulmonary circulations. This section introduces the main arterial and venous pathways within the thorax.

Key Structures

Topics include the aorta, describing its course and major branches, and the superior vena cava, including its formation and tributaries.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Understanding thoracic vessels is vital for interpreting mediastinal imaging, recognising vascular emergencies, and assessing conditions such as aneurysms, obstruction or venous congestion.

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Illustration of the thoracic wall showing the origins and courses of the posterior and anterior intercostal arteries, including branches from the aorta and internal thoracic artery.

The Thoracic Wall

Anterior view of the superior vena cava in the thorax.

The Superior Vena Cava

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Illustration depicting the deep muscles of the gluteal region, including the quadratus femoris, obturator internus, piriformis, and gemelli muscles.
Encyclopaedia

Piriformis

by Dr Oliver Jones

Simplified illustration of the mesentery connecting the small and large intestines to the posterior abdominal wall.
The Accessory Organs of the Abdomen

The Mesentery

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Diagram illustrating the course of the inferior epigastric artery originating from the external iliac artery.
Encyclopaedia

Inferior Epigastric Artery

by Amber Kraczkowska