Internal intercostal muscles

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Internal Intercostal Muscles

File:Gray392.png
The Internal Intercostal Muscles (shown in red)

The Internal Intercostal Muscles are a group of skeletal muscles located between the ribs. They are primarily involved in the mechanical aspect of breathing, specifically in the process of exhalation.

Anatomy[edit]

The Internal Intercostal Muscles are found between the ribs of the human body. They extend from the tubercles of the ribs behind, to the cartilages of the ribs in front, with the exception of the first pair, which extend from the neck of the first rib to the cartilage of the second rib.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the Internal Intercostal Muscles is to aid in the process of exhalation. They depress the ribs and decrease the transverse dimensions of the thoracic cavity, which increases the pressure within the thorax, forcing air out of the lungs.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Dysfunction or injury to the Internal Intercostal Muscles can lead to breathing difficulties and pain. Conditions such as Intercostal Neuralgia and Costochondritis can affect these muscles.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.