Anatomy
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What are Intercostal Muscles?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

The intercostal muscles are the muscle bands that surround and span between the ribs that alternately lift and compress the rib cage in order to permit respiration. There are two distinct muscle groups: the external and the internal intercostals. Both are supplied with blood and nerves by structures occupying the intercostal space, namely the thoracic spinal nerves, and the intercostal veins and arteries. These muscles and structures are aptly named since the term “intercostal” is derived from the Latin word costae, which translates to mean ribbed or rib-like.

The external intercostal muscles consist of 11 muscles that envelop each side of the exterior of the rib cage from the back of the ribs and wrapping around where they are attached to the sternum in front. As these muscles extend toward the front of the ribs, they become tapered, and at this point are referred to as the anterior intercostal membranes. As a group, these muscles are thicker than their counterparts that form the internal intercostals. In addition, if someone were to view an illustration of the rib cage from the rear, it would be apparent that these muscles are positioned on an angle, taking an obliquely downward and laterally outward direction.

The intercostal muscles expand and compress the rib cage to allow your body to breath.
The intercostal muscles expand and compress the rib cage to allow your body to breath.

The function of the external intercostals is to respond to a contraction of the diaphragm, the boomerang-shaped muscle located beneath the sternum. As the diaphragm receives signals from the central nervous system to contract, it compresses and drops into a lower position. In effect, this creates a vacuum in the lungs. The external intercostals then contact and raise the rib cage, which pulls in air to fill the lungs.

The intercostal muscles are those muscle bands that surround the ribs.
The intercostal muscles are those muscle bands that surround the ribs.

The 11 internal muscles are located on the anterior of the rib cage and are visible between the ribs. These muscles extend from the top of each rib and travel in an obliquely upward route from the sternum where they eventually form the posterior intercostal membranes that are attached to the spinal column. Once the diaphragm returns to a resting state and its normal position, these muscles lift each rib in a manner that reduces the space between each one. This has the effect of increasing pressure in the air-filled lungs, causing the air to be displaced. While the entire respiration process is automatic, it is necessary for the throat to be open in order for either inhalation or exhalation to occur.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

leeb

In my experience coughing too hard and too long during a cold or flu can cause intercostal muscle pain. It just feels very sore and can be mistaken for a fractured rib. The only thing prescribed was pain meds and rest. You don’t notice these muscles even exist until they start hurting.

glitz1

I never knew that these muscles we can't see were so helpful with breathing. It is truly amazing that our bodies are so complex. I learn something new everyday.

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    • The intercostal muscles expand and compress the rib cage to allow your body to breath.
      By: Laurent Hamels
      The intercostal muscles expand and compress the rib cage to allow your body to breath.
    • The intercostal muscles are those muscle bands that surround the ribs.
      By: Vladislav Gajic
      The intercostal muscles are those muscle bands that surround the ribs.
    • The external intercostal muscles are found in the rib cage.
      By: pixdesign123
      The external intercostal muscles are found in the rib cage.
    • Intercostal muscles respond to the contraction of the diaphragm.
      By: snapgalleria
      Intercostal muscles respond to the contraction of the diaphragm.