INTERNAL INTERCOSTAL Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "internal intercostal" refers to a group of muscles located between the ribs in the chest region of the human body. These muscles are situated on the inner or internal aspect of the ribcage and play a vital role in respiration.
The internal intercostal muscles are arranged in the spaces between adjacent ribs and extend from the sternum at the front to the vertebral column at the back. They are deeper than the external intercostal muscles, which lie on the outer side of the ribs. The internal intercostals run in the opposite direction to the external intercostals, with their fibers angling downward and backward.
The main function of the internal intercostal muscles is to aid in exhalation or the process of breathing out. They achieve this by contracting to draw the ribs downward and inward, which decreases the diameter of the ribcage. This contraction of the muscles increases the pressure within the thoracic cavity, causing the air to be expelled from the lungs.
During forceful exhalation, such as when coughing or sneezing, the internal intercostal muscles contract more forcefully to further reduce the volume of the thoracic cavity. This action allows for the rapid expulsion of air from the lungs, aiding in the removal of foreign particles or respiratory secretions.
In summary, the internal intercostal muscles are a group of muscles located between the ribs that facilitate exhalation by contracting to decrease the size of the thoracic cavity. These muscles are crucial for proper respiratory function.
Etymology of INTERNAL INTERCOSTAL
The etymology of the word "internal intercostal" can be broken down as follows:
1. Internal: The word "internal" comes from the Latin word "internus", which means "on the inside" or "interior". It is derived from the combination of the Latin roots "inter", meaning "within" or "between", and "internus", meaning "inner" or "inward".
2. Intercostal: The word "intercostal" is also derived from Latin. It is a combination of the Latin prefix "inter-", meaning "between", and the Latin word "costa", meaning "rib". The term "intercostal" refers to the structures located between the ribs.
Therefore, when combined, the term "internal intercostal" refers to the musculature situated between the ribs, specifically emphasizing its inward or internal position.
