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The external intercostal muscles are the outermost layer of intercostal muscles, which are found within the rib cage. They are the most superficial set of muscles, occupying the 11 intercostal spaces. These muscles work in tandem with the internal intercostal muscles during inhalation, causing the expansion of the chest cavity and allowing air to enter the lungs. The external intercostals elevate the ribs, increasing lung volume and thoracic volume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Accessory respiratory muscles found in the intercostal spaces |
| Number | Eleven on both sides |
| Location | Between each rib, starting at the first rib and extending down to the 11th rib |
| Function | Elevate the ribs during forced inspiration, expanding the chest cavity and allowing air into the lungs |
| Innervation | Intercostal nerves of corresponding intercostal spaces, which are the anterior rami of thoracic spinal nerves T1-T11 |
| Blood Supply | Anterior and posterior intercostal arteries |
| Strain Causes | Exertion, direct injury, repetitive activities (e.g. yoga, golf, tennis, weight-lifting), jobs with repetitive motions |
| Treatment | Heat and ice, rest, activity limitations, pain medications |
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What You'll Learn
External intercostals are accessory respiratory muscles
The external intercostal muscles are accessory respiratory muscles that play a significant role in the respiratory system. They are small but powerful muscles located in the intercostal spaces between the ribs, starting from the first rib and extending down to the eleventh rib. These muscles work in conjunction with the internal intercostal muscles to facilitate breathing.
During inhalation, the external intercostal muscles contract and elevate the ribs, expanding the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to fill with air. This upward movement of the ribs increases the transverse and anteroposterior diameter of the lungs, which, in turn, decreases the intrapleural pressure. This process of forced inspiration is essential for respiration, as it creates the necessary space for the lungs to expand and accommodate incoming air.
The external intercostal muscles are thicker than the internal intercostal muscles and have a distinct structure. They originate from the inferior border of one rib and insert into the superior border of the rib below, with their fibres directed obliquely downward and laterally. This anatomical arrangement allows for the necessary leverage to lift the ribs and facilitate breathing.
It is important to maintain the health and proper functioning of the external intercostal muscles, as they play a crucial role in respiration. Strained external intercostal muscles can result from excessive exertion, repetitive activities, or direct injury. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of activities that may place undue stress on these muscles and to seek medical attention if any sharp pain or discomfort is experienced.
In summary, the external intercostal muscles are accessory respiratory muscles that play a vital role in the respiratory system by elevating the ribs during inhalation and expanding the chest cavity to accommodate the lungs' expansion. Their contraction and relaxation work in harmony with the internal intercostal muscles to enable the essential process of breathing.
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They elevate ribs during forced inspiration
The external intercostal muscles are accessory respiratory muscles that play a crucial role in the respiratory system. They are small but relatively powerful muscles located in the intercostal spaces between the ribs, starting from the first rib and extending down to the eleventh rib.
During forced inspiration, the external intercostal muscles contract and elevate the ribs. This elevation of the ribs increases the transverse and anteroposterior diameter of the lungs, which, in turn, decreases the intrapleural pressure. As a result, the lungs expand, and air is drawn into them, facilitating inhalation. This process is known as inspiration.
The internal intercostal muscles, on the other hand, relax during inhalation. They play a role in forced expiration, moving the ribs and chest cavity back to their original position, thus assisting with exhalation.
The health and functioning of the spine are also dependent on the appropriate contraction of the external intercostal muscles. These muscles receive nerve signals from the intercostal nerves, which stem from the spinal cord. The intercostal muscles are divided into three groups: external, internal, and innermost intercostal muscles, all of which support the rib cage and participate in the process of forced breathing.
The external intercostal muscles can be strained due to excessive exertion, repetitive activities, or direct injury. It is important to note that the external intercostals are just one part of the respiratory system, and other muscles in the upper body also assist with rib cage adjustments during breathing.
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They are located between each rib
The external intercostal muscles are accessory respiratory muscles located between each rib. They are small but powerful, extending from the bottom to the top of each rib. There are 11 external intercostal muscles on both sides, starting at the first rib and extending down to the 11th rib. These muscles work in unison during inhalation, contracting and causing the expansion of the chest cavity, which allows air to enter the lungs.
The external intercostals are located superficially to the internal intercostal muscles, with a thin fascia separating the two. The external intercostal muscles are the most superficial of the three groups of intercostal muscles, which include the internal and innermost intercostals. The internal intercostals lie deep to the external intercostals and assist with exhalation, moving the ribs and chest cavity back to their original position. The innermost intercostals are the deepest of the intercostal muscles and are similar in structure to the internal intercostals. They assist in depressing the ribs during forced expiration.
The external intercostal muscles receive nerve signals from the intercostal nerves, which stem from the spinal cord. Each external intercostal muscle is supplied with blood from three major arteries: the anterior and posterior intercostal arteries, and the costocervical trunk. The health and functioning of the spine depend on the appropriate contraction of the external intercostal muscles, as each rib ends near the spine.
The external intercostals can be strained by too much exertion or direct injury to the muscles. Repetitive activities such as twisting in yoga, golf, tennis, and weight-lifting can cause strain to these muscles. Doctors can diagnose strained external intercostal muscles through a physical exam, and treatment includes the use of heat and ice, rest, activity limitations, and pain medications.
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Their health is dependent on appropriate contraction
The external intercostal muscles are accessory respiratory muscles that play a crucial role in respiration. They are small but powerful muscles located in between each rib, starting at the first rib and extending down to the eleventh rib. During inhalation, these muscles contract and elevate the ribs, expanding the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to fill with air.
The health and proper functioning of these muscles are indeed dependent on appropriate contraction. When the external intercostal muscles contract in coordination with inhalation, they assist in expanding the chest cavity and facilitating breathing. However, if these muscles become tight, their tension can restrict the movement of the ribs, impacting the ability to inhale fully. This highlights the importance of maintaining the health and flexibility of the external intercostal muscles.
Yoga and certain physical activities can be beneficial in this regard. Yoga postures like parighasana, which lengthens the sides of the body, can help stretch and lengthen the intercostal muscles. However, it is important to be cautious, as repetitive activities involving twisting, such as certain yoga poses, golf, tennis, or weight-lifting, can also strain the external intercostals. Strained external intercostals can result from excessive exertion or direct injury to the muscles.
Additionally, the health of the spine is closely linked to the appropriate contraction of the external intercostal muscles. Each rib wraps around the body and ends near the spine, and the external intercostals receive nerve signals from the intercostal nerves, which stem from the spinal cord. Therefore, maintaining the health of the spine and ensuring proper nerve function are essential for the optimal contraction and functioning of the external intercostal muscles.
In summary, the health and functioning of the external intercostal muscles is dependent on appropriate contraction. This includes ensuring their flexibility, avoiding excessive strain, and maintaining the health of associated structures like the spine and intercostal nerves. By understanding the role of these muscles in respiration and addressing any potential issues, we can promote their health and support their vital function in breathing.
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They can be strained by repetitive activities
The external intercostal muscles are small but powerful muscles located between the ribs. They extend from the bottom to the top of each rib, allowing them to lift the ribs upward and spread them apart. This movement creates space for the lungs to expand with air.
The external intercostals play a crucial role in respiration, assisting with inhalation by raising the ribs and expanding the chest cavity. However, due to their small size, other muscles in the upper body also contribute to rib cage adjustments. The external intercostals receive nerve signals from the intercostal nerves, which originate from the spinal cord.
While these muscles are essential for breathing, they are also susceptible to strain. External intercostal muscle strain can result from repetitive activities such as twisting in yoga, golf, tennis, and weight-lifting. Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motions, such as overhead lifting or carrying heavy objects, can also lead to this type of strain. It is important to note that participation in these activities does not necessarily cause strain, but individuals who are weakened due to a lack of exercise or a prolonged illness may be at higher risk.
The strain on the external intercostals can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of an intercostal muscle strain include gradual worsening pain, muscle stiffness and tension, and increased pain when coughing, sneezing, or breathing deeply. The severity of the strain can vary, ranging from mild strains with minimal loss of motion to complete ruptures that may require surgery. Treatment options depend on the severity of the injury, with mild strains often manageable through home remedies such as ice packs, heat therapy, rest, and pain medications. More severe strains may require medical attention, breathing therapy, and physical therapy.
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Frequently asked questions
The external intercostal muscles are accessory respiratory muscles that support the rib cage and help with forced inspiration.
The external intercostal muscles are located on the outside of the rib cage, between each rib, starting at the first rib and extending down to the 11th rib.
The external intercostal muscles elevate the ribs during inhalation, expanding the chest cavity and allowing air to enter the lungs.
The external intercostal muscles are located on the outside of the rib cage, while the internal intercostal muscles are located on the inside. The external intercostals assist with inhalation, while the internal intercostals assist with exhalation.
Yes, the external intercostal muscles can be strained due to overexertion, direct injury, or repetitive activities such as twisting in yoga, golf, or weight-lifting. Symptoms may appear similar to a back or neck injury.
