thoracic artery

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. any of several arteries that distribute blood to the muscles and organs of the thorax: used as a replacement artery in coronary bypass surgery.

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Etymology

Origin of thoracic artery

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

It then gives rise to three major branches: the internal thoracic artery, the vertebral artery, and the thyrocervical artery.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The internal thoracic artery, or mammary artery, supplies blood to the thymus, the pericardium of the heart, and the anterior chest wall.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The differences are most easily described by discussing the resulting change in the site of origin of the thoracic artery.

From Thoracic and Coracoid Arteries In Two Families of Birds, Columbidae and Hirundinidae by Jenkinson, Marion Anne

The thoracic area seems to be most "efficiently" arranged when the thoracic artery arises opposite the apex of the costal process, from whatever main artery is closest to that site.

From Thoracic and Coracoid Arteries In Two Families of Birds, Columbidae and Hirundinidae by Jenkinson, Marion Anne

The particular site of attachment of the thoracic artery is of limited value as a taxonomic character.

From Thoracic and Coracoid Arteries In Two Families of Birds, Columbidae and Hirundinidae by Jenkinson, Marion Anne