Within the costal groove, what is the arrangement of the intercostal neurovascular bundle from above downward?

• A Nerve, artery, vein
• B Vein, nerve, artery
• C Artery, vein, nerve
• D Vein, artery, nerve ✓

Explanation

The classic mnemonic VAN gives the order from above downward in the costal groove: Vein, Artery, Nerve. This is why needles and chest tubes are passed along the superior border of the lower rib, keeping instruments away from the bundle tucked under the rib above. A small collateral bundle also runs along the superior border of the lower rib of each space.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.