Intercostal muscles
Musculi intercostales
Definition
The intercostal muscles are the muscles located between the ribs in the intercostal spaces. They are primarily involved in the mechanics of breathing.
There are two main layers:
External intercostal muscles: Oriented caudoventrally, they assist in inspiration by elevating the ribs and expanding the thoracic cavity.
Internal intercostal muscles: Oriented cranioventrally, they assist in forced expiration by pulling the ribs downward.
These muscles play a crucial role in respiration by altering the dimensions of the thoracic cavity, and they also contribute to maintaining the structural integrity of the thoracic wall.
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