Within the costal groove, what is the arrangement of the intercostal neurovascular bundle from superior to inferior?
- A Artery, vein, nerve
- B Nerve, artery, vein
- C Vein, artery, nerve ✓
- D Artery, nerve, vein
Correct answer: C. Vein, artery, nerve
Explanation
The classic mnemonic VAN runs from above downward in the costal groove: intercostal vein, then artery, then nerve, all sheltered in the groove between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles. This is why thoracocentesis needles are passed over the lower border of a rib, keeping the needle away from the bundle. Below the rib, only the collateral branch of the artery and nerve runs along the upper border of the rib below.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.