thoracic artery

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoracic artery¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

The thoracic artery arises from the subclavian opposite the base of the coracoid artery, or from the base of the coracoid artery.

From Project Gutenberg

Minor variations in all of the smaller branches of the thoracic artery were common.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally a small artery could be traced from the main trunk of the thoracic artery to that muscle.

From Project Gutenberg

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

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