Intercostal muscles

Musculi intercostales are divided into intercostales externi, interni and intimi.


 * External intercostal muscles


 * they are directed obliquely from behind craniocaudally,
 * as the membrana intercostalis externa they continue to the sternum.
 * Spacing : the lower edge of the rib
 * Attachment : the upper edge of the adjacent lower rib
 * Innervation : nn. intercostales T1-T11
 * Function: : inspiratory muscles.


 * Internal intercostal muscles


 * they go from front to back craniocaudally,
 * as membrana intercostalis interna they continue to the spine
 * Distance: upper edge of rib
 * Insertion: the lower edge of the adjacent rib
 * Innervation : nn. intercostales T1-T11
 * Function: ''expiratory muscles


 * Musculi intercostales intimi


 * the direction of the sheaves is the same as for mm. internal; they are clamped on the inside of sulcus costalis.
 * Function: '' expiratory muscles, extend the chest

Innervation: nervi intercostales I–XI.

Related articles

 * A guide to other chest muscles