Irfan Ahmed Mughal, Nasir Aziz, Naila Irfan.
Posterior intercostal arteries.
Professional Med J Jan ;11(4):471-3.

To find out the occurrence and frequency of variant anastomotic vessels at varying levels in Pakistani cadavers. Design: Twenty well preserved and freshly embalmed cadavers were dissected for the present study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during year 1995 – 1997 in the department of Anatomy, K.E. Medical College, Lahore. Methods: After cutting the ribs, anastomotic vessels between intercostal arteries were dissected free with the help of magnifying glass. The diameter of each arcade like anastomotic vessel was noted with the help of vernier caliper. Results: Arch like communications were found between neibouring inter- costal arteries V – VIII in ten and between intercostal arteries IV – X in six cadavers. In four cadavers, no anastomosis was found between intercostal arteries. The arch like anastomoses were found lying on the surface of the vertebral bodies on the right side and away from aorta on the left side. Conclusion: The results are comparable with the studies conducted previously with the exception of absence of such anastomotic vessels in four cadavers in the present study. It may be due to racial variation. So the arcades are the rule rather than variant is strengthened and confirmed.

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