The levatores costarum breves are 12 muscles, one per thoracic level, each elevating the immediately adjacent rib below. They are primary active muscles of thoracic rib elevation in deep inspiration.
| Origin | Transverse processes of C7 and T1-T11 — one per level |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Outer surface of the immediately adjacent rib below at the angle |
| Nerve Supply | Dorsal rami of corresponding thoracic spinal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Posterior intercostal arteries |
| Actions | Elevates the ribs during inspiration; Assists lateral thoracic flexion |
|---|
Addressed in posterior rib resection approaches where their detachment allows subperiosteal exposure. Their dysfunction in intercostal neuralgia produces restricted thoracic expansion.
Not directly palpable individually.
Injury during posterior rib resection producing restricted ipsilateral thoracic expansion.
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