Musculophrenic arteries

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The musculophrenic artery is one of two terminal branches of the internal thoracic artery.

Gross anatomy

The musculophrenic artery runs along the costal slips of the diaphragm. It supplies the 7, 8 and 9 intercostal spaces with paired anterior intercostal arteries, as well as fine branches that supply the superior part of the anterior abdominal wall. It anastomoses with the posterior intercostal and superior epigastric arteries.