What are the intercostal muscles?
The muscles between the ribs is called the intercostal muscles. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as two layers of thin muscles — external and internal intercostals — filling the spaces between adjacent ribs.
What it is
- Two layers of thin muscles — external and internal intercostals — filling the spaces between adjacent ribs.
- Elevate and depress the ribs during breathing.
- Help stiffen the chest wall.
Where it is
- Between each pair of ribs, on both sides of the chest.
- Extend from the vertebral column behind to the sternum in front.
- Run in different directions in each layer.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
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