Your intercostal muscles are the muscles between your ribs. They allow your ribcage to expand and contract so you can breathe.

What is the function of the intercostal muscles?

Due to the role intercostal muscles play in elevating the ribs and expanding the chest cavity, their contraction must be triggered in order to allow for timely access to the lungs. Intercostal spaces between the ribs are often punctured during a thoracostomy, which is a procedure used to remove fluid from the lungs.

What is the role of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm?

The diaphragm is attached to the base of the sternum, the lower parts of the rib cage, and the spine. As the diaphragm contracts, it increases the length and diameter of the chest cavity and thus expands the lungs. The intercostal muscles help move the rib cage and thus assist in breathing.