3rd intercostal nerve

Nervus intercostalis III

NervousNervesThoraxLeft and right

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What it is
The ventral ramus of the 3rd thoracic nerve. It runs round the chest in the costal groove on the underside of the 3rd rib, between the internal and innermost intercostal muscles and below the intercostal vein and artery, ending beside the sternum as an anterior cutaneous branch.
Function
Motor to the intercostal muscles; sensation from a band of skin (lateral and anterior cutaneous branches) and from the parietal pleura.
Size
About 2-3 mm thick; 25-30 cm long
Clinical note
An intercostal nerve block is given just below the lower edge of the rib, where the nerve lies under the intercostal vein and artery.

Nearby nervous structures 1st intercostal nerve, 2nd intercostal nerve, 4th intercostal nerve, 5th intercostal nerve, 6th intercostal nerve, 7th intercostal nerve, T2 spinal nerve, T3 spinal nerve, T4 spinal nerve, T5 spinal nerve