Costal region
Regio costalis
Definition
The costal region corresponds to the lateral area of the thorax, formed by the ribs, their costal cartilages, and the intercostal muscles that connect them. It extends from the sternal region ventrally to the dorsal thoracic region along the vertebral transverse processes.
Anatomically, this region includes the costal arches, the external and internal intercostal muscles, the intercostal arteries and veins, as well as the intercostal nerves and their lateral branches. This region protects the lungs and participates in respiratory movements through the action of the intercostal muscles.
The morphology of the costal region varies among species: in dogs and cats, the thorax is generally deep and narrow; in ruminants, it is more rounded with broad ribs; in horses, it is particularly long and extensive; in humans, the costal region is flattened anteroposteriorly and adapted to bipedal locomotion.
References
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2017.
König HE, Liebich HG, editors. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 6th ed. Stuttgart: Thieme; 2020.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2013.
