intercostal
(adjective)
between the ribs of an animal or person
Examples of intercostal in the following topics:
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Types of Breathing
- During eupnea, also referred to as quiet breathing, the diaphragm and external intercostals must contract.
- 3) Costal breathing: a mode of breathing that requires contraction of the intercostal muscles.
- As the intercostal muscles relax, air passively leaves the lungs.
- In addition to the contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, other accessory muscles must also contract.
- In addition, accessory muscles (primarily the internal intercostals) help to compress the rib cage, which also reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity.
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The Mechanics of Human Breathing
- During the process of inhalation, the lung volume expands as a result of the contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (the muscles that are connected to the rib cage), thus expanding the thoracic cavity.
- The intercostal muscles relax, returning the chest wall to its original position .
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The Work of Breathing
- Flow-resistive work refers to the work of the alveoli and tissues in the lung, whereas elastic work refers to the work of the intercostal muscles, chest wall, and diaphragm.