What are the intercostal muscles?
Last updated
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editor · Licensed under Citation License 1.0
The muscles between the ribs is called the intercostal muscles. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as two layers of thin muscles — external and internal intercostals — filling the spaces between adjacent ribs.
Summary
The muscles between the ribs is called the intercostal muscles. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as two layers of thin muscles — external and internal intercostals — filling the spaces between adjacent ribs.
What it is
- Two layers of thin muscles \u2014 external and internal intercostals \u2014 filling the spaces between adjacent ribs.
- Elevate and depress the ribs during breathing.
- Help stiffen the chest wall.
Where it is
- Between each pair of ribs, on both sides of the chest.
- Extend from the vertebral column behind to the sternum in front.
- Run in different directions in each layer.
Sources
According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):
Last verified:
Canonical: https://bestanatomyquestions.com/answers/what-are-the-intercostal-muscles · Markdown twin