Each internal thoracic artery arises as a major branch of the subclavian artery in the neck. It passes anteriorly over the cervical dome of the pleura and descends vertically through the superior thoracic aperture and along the deep aspect of the anterior thoracic wall. On each side, the internal thoracic artery lies posterior to the costal cartilages of the upper six ribs and about 1 cm lateral to the sternum. At approximately the level of the sixth intercostal space, it divides into two terminal branches: the superior epigastric artery, which continues inferiorly into the anterior abdominal wall (Fig. 3.29); and the musculophrenic artery, which passes along the costal margin, goes through the diaphragm, and ends near the last intercostal space.