Intercostal muscles
Intercostal Muscles
The Intercostal muscles (pronunciation: in-ter-kos-tal mus-cles) are a group of muscles situated in the intercostal spaces between the ribs. They are primarily involved in the mechanical aspect of breathing, including inhalation and exhalation.
Etymology
The term "Intercostal" is derived from the Latin words "inter" meaning between, and "costa" meaning rib. Thus, the term refers to the muscles located between the ribs.
Anatomy
The intercostal muscles consist of three layers: the external intercostal muscles, the internal intercostal muscles, and the innermost intercostal muscles. Each layer has a specific role in the process of respiration.
- External intercostal muscles: These are the most superficial layer and they aid in inspiration by elevating the ribs, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
- Internal intercostal muscles: These are found just deep to the external intercostal muscles and they assist in forced expiration by depressing the ribs, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
- Innermost intercostal muscles: These are the deepest layer and they also assist in forced expiration.
Function
The primary function of the intercostal muscles is to assist in the process of respiration. During inhalation, the external intercostal muscles contract, elevating the ribs and expanding the thoracic cavity. This decreases the pressure inside the cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs. During exhalation, the internal and innermost intercostal muscles contract, depressing the ribs and reducing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This increases the pressure inside the cavity, forcing air out of the lungs.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intercostal muscles
- Wikipedia's article - Intercostal muscles
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