Intercostal Muscles and Diaphragm Anatomy

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the intercostal muscles and diaphragm anatomy.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that assist in the breathing process by helping to expand and contract the thoracic cavity.

External Intercostal Muscles

Muscles that elevate the ribs during inhalation.

Internal Intercostal Muscles

Muscles that depress the ribs during exhalation.

Transversus Thoracis Muscles

Muscles that aid in depressing the costal cartilages.

Sternocostalis

Part of the transversus thoracis, located anteriorly.

Subcostalis

Part of the transversus thoracis, located posteriorly.

Innermost Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located medially between the internal intercostals and the internal surface of the ribs.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and plays a major role in breathing.

Phrenic Nerve

Nerve that supplies motor and sensory innervation to the diaphragm.

Aortic Hiatus

Opening in the diaphragm for the aorta, located at the level of T12.

Esophageal Hiatus

Opening in the diaphragm for the esophagus, located at the level of T10.

Caval Hiatus

Opening in the diaphragm for the inferior vena cava, located at the level of T8.

Costal Origin of Diaphragm

Part of the diaphragm originating from the ribs.

Vertebral Origin of Diaphragm

Part of the diaphragm originating from the vertebral column.

Central Tendon

Tendon at the center of the diaphragm; serves as the insertion point for the muscle fibers.

Intercostal Nerves

Nerves that arise from the ventral rami of the thoracic spinal nerves, supplying the intercostal muscles.