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Subcostales Detail

musculi subcostales detail

The subcostales are thin muscles on the inner thoracic wall, most prominent in the lower thorax. They are the most inconstant of the thoracic wall muscles and may be absent entirely.

An expanded entry for Subcostales.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginInner surface of the lower ribs near their angles
InsertionInner surface of ribs 2-3 below, spanning multiple intercostal spaces
Nerve SupplyIntercostal nerves (T7-T12)
Blood SupplyPosterior intercostal arteries
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Depress the lower ribs during forced expiration
  • Stabilise the lower thoracic wall

They are thought to depress the ribs and assist forced expiration.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Subcostales are occasionally encountered during thoracoscopic procedures as an additional internal thoracic wall layer. They are part of the thoracic wall musculature relevant in intercostal neurovascular bundle protection during lower thoracic access.

Palpation

Not palpable from outside the chest.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Subcostales Identification in Lower Thoracic Surgery

Subcostales encountered as an additional inner thoracic wall layer during VATS procedures in the lower chest.

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