Final answer:
The Internal Thoracic Artery branches into the mammary artery and the Superior Epigastric Artery at the level of the 8th costal cartilage, supplying blood to various thoracic and abdominal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Internal Thoracic Artery divides into the mammary artery and the Superior Epigastric Artery at the level of the 8th costal cartilage. The Internal Thoracic Artery is also referred to as the mammary artery and arises from the subclavian artery. It is responsible for supplying blood to the thymus, the pericardium of the heart, and the anterior chest wall. Beyond this point, the Superior Epigastric Artery continues down the posterior surface of the rectus abdominis muscle to supply the upper portion of the abdominal wall.