intercostal artery
n.
An artery with origin in the costocervical trunk, with distribution to the structures of the first and second intercostal spaces, and with anastomoses to the intercostal branches of the internal thoracic artery; anterior intercostal artery.
Any of nine pairs of arteries arising from the thoracic aorta and distributed to the nine lower intercostal spaces, spinal column, spinal cord, and muscles and integument of the back, with anastomoses to the branches of the musculophrenic, internal thoracic, superior epigastric, subcostal, and lumbar arteries; posterior intercostal artery.