perforating branches of internal thoracic artery

per·fo·rat·ing branch·es of in·ter·nal tho·rac·ic ar·ter·y

[TA] small branches of the internal thoracic artery running between the costal cartilages to supply overlying skin and subcutaneous tissues, including the medial aspect of the breast. Synonym(s): rami perforantes arteriae thoracicae internae [TA], perforating arteries (of internal thoracic artery)