External intercostal

Definition

External intercostal muscles are a group of skeletal muscles located between the ribs that expand the chest cavity to facilitate inhalation. They contract during breathing in, elevating the ribs and increasing the space in the thoracic cavity.

Related terms

Inhalation:

The process of taking air into the lungs, aided by the contraction of external intercostal muscles.

Thoracic Cavity:

The part of the body enclosed by the ribs, containing the lungs and heart, which changes in volume during breathing due to muscle action.

Diaphragm:

A dome-shaped muscle that plays a major role in breathing by contracting and flattening to increase thoracic cavity volume during inhalation