Interkostális

Interkostális refers to structures located between the ribs, and is commonly used to describe the intercostal muscles, intercostal nerves, vessels, and spaces. There are 11 intercostal spaces, defined by the ribs, and a neurovascular bundle typically runs along the inferior border of each rib in the costal groove.

The intercostal muscles form the muscular wall between adjacent ribs. The external intercostal muscles elevate the ribs during inspiration. The internal intercostal muscles generally depress the ribs during forced expiration, and the innermost intercostal muscles lie deepest in the thoracic wall. Together with the diaphragm, these muscles facilitate breathing and help stabilize the chest wall.

The intercostal nerves are the anterior rami of the thoracic spinal nerves T1–T11 and provide motor and sensory innervation to the thoracic wall. The arteries comprise the posterior intercostal arteries (typically branches of the aorta) and the anterior intercostal arteries (branches of the internal thoracic arteries). The intercostal veins drain into the azygos system or the internal thoracic veins. The neurovascular bundle—vein, artery, and nerve—runs along the inferior border of each rib within the costal groove, a key detail for procedures in the intercostal spaces.

Functionally, intercostal structures support respiration, stabilize the chest wall, and convey sensory information from the thoracic area. Clinically, injuries to intercostal structures can result from rib fractures or chest trauma. Intercostal nerve blocks and regional anesthesia (such as epidural or paravertebral blocks) target these nerves for analgesia. Procedures like thoracentesis and chest tube placement rely on accurate knowledge of intercostal anatomy to avoid vascular or neural injury.