Intercostal space
Spatium intercostale
Definition
The intercostal space is the anatomical area between two adjacent ribs. It is occupied by intercostal muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, and plays a critical role in respiration by allowing expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity.
The number of intercostal spaces corresponds to one less than the number of ribs—e.g., a dog with 13 pairs of ribs has 12 intercostal spaces.
References
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. Saunders; 2017.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller's Anatomy of the Dog. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2020.
