Rib muscles, also known as intercostal muscles, are the muscles located between the ribs in the rib cage. They play a crucial role in breathing. The provided reference highlights the presence of these muscles within the rib cage and their organization into layers.
Intercostal Muscles Explained
The intercostal muscles fill the spaces between the ribs and are arranged in multiple layers. Here’s a breakdown:
- Location: Found within the rib cage, between the ribs.
- Layers: Consist of three layers.
- Function: These muscles help in breathing by expanding and contracting the rib cage, allowing air to flow into and out of the lungs.
Layers of Intercostal Muscles
| Muscle Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| External Intercostals | One of the layers of intercostal muscles. |
| Internal Intercostals | One of the layers of intercostal muscles. |
| Innermost Intercostals | One of the layers of intercostal muscles. |
In summary, rib muscles, or intercostal muscles, are vital for respiration and are situated between the ribs, organized into distinct layers to facilitate the mechanics of breathing.
