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

I have not used the terms "internal mammary" and "intercostal" artery as substitutes for "thoracic" artery, except when referring to the work of others.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the five specimens of P. subis dissected, one individual had the former arrangement on both sides, and one had the latter on both sides, whereas in the remaining three the thoracic artery arose from the coracoid artery on one side and from the subclavian on the other side.

From Project Gutenberg

The thoracic artery usually passes ventral to M. costi-sternalis anterior.

From Project Gutenberg

The main thoracic artery bifurcates near the insertion of M. costi-sternalis, the branches traveling posteriad on both sides of the muscle.

From Project Gutenberg

From the ventral trunk of the thoracic artery a variable number of small vessels arises to supply the costosternal articulations.

From Project Gutenberg