Internal intercostal muscle

Internal intercostal muscles
Internal intercostal muscles (red) seen from back.
Details
Origin	Rib - superior border
Insertion	Rib - inferior border
Artery	Intercostal arteries
Nerve	Intercostal nerves
Actions	Hold ribs steady
Antagonist	External intercostal muscles
Identifiers
Latin	Musculi intercostales interni
TA	A04.4.01.013
FMA	74085
Anatomical terms of muscle []

The internal intercostal muscles (intercostales interni) are a group of skeletal muscles located between the ribs. They are eleven in number on either side. They commence anteriorly at the sternum, in the intercostal spaces between the cartilages of the true ribs, and at the anterior extremities of the cartilages of the false ribs, and extend backward as far as the angles of the ribs, hence they are continued to the vertebral column by thin aponeuroses, the posterior intercostal membranes.

Each muscle arises from the ridge on the inner surface of a rib, as well as from the corresponding costal cartilage, and is inserted into the inferior border of the rib above. The internal intercostals are innervated by the intercostal nerve.

Their fibers are also directed obliquely, but pass in a direction opposite to those of the external intercostal muscles.

For the most part, they are muscles of exhalation. In exhalation the interosseous portions of the internal intercostal muscles, (the part of the muscle that is between the bone portion of the superior and inferior ribs), depresses and retracts the ribs, compressing the thoracic cavity and expelling air. The internal intercostals, however, are only used in forceful exhalation such as coughing or during exercise and not in relaxed breathing. The external intercostal muscles, and the intercartilaginous part of the internal intercostal muscles, (the part of the muscle that lies between the cartilage portion of the superior and inferior ribs), are used in inspiration, by aiding in elevating the ribs and expanding the thoracic cavity.

Position of internal intercostal muscles (red). Animation.

The Obliquus internus abdominis.

Thoracic portion of the sympathetic trunk.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)