Origin
External – 1st to 11th ribs.
Internal – 2nd to 12th ribs.
Innermost
Insertion
External – 2nd to 12th ribs.
Internal – 1st to 11th ribs.
Innermost
Blood supply
Intercostal arteries.
Nerve supply
Intercostal nerves.
Action
The intercostal muscles are essential for respiration.
Disease/Injury
These muscles can become strained due to rapid twisting of the body in sports such as basketball, tennis, swimming, and gymnastic.
Muscle Exercise
Parighasana yoga stretch, back bend and performance breathing can help in increasing the strength of the intercostal muscles.
Interesting facts
Sharp, stabbing pains while breathing may be indicative of intercostal muscle strain.
