Click on the structure to specify the target of your label
![]() |
01 | ![]() |
Innermost intercostal
Other Terms:
Musculi intercostales intimi,
Musculus intercostalis intimus,
Muscle intercostaux intimes
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus intercostales intimi
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Thoracic wall – lateral musculature – internal layer
Etymology
In English, this muscle’s name is the inmost muscle between the ribs. The word intercostal comes from the Latin terms inter meaning “between” and costa meaning “rib.”The Latin term intimus means “inmost, or deepest.”
Origin
Inferior border of superior rib
Insertion
Superior border of adjacent inferior rib
Action
Stiffen the chest wall to prevent paradoxical motion during descent of the diaphragm; move the ribs.
Nerve supply
Intercostal nerves (T1 through T11)
Blood supply
Anterior intercostal arteries from the internal thoracic artery via the subclavian artery. Posterior intercostal arteries from the aorta. Superior and lateral thoracic arteries from the axillary artery, along with branches from the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery.
Latin
Musculi intercostales intimi
Latin
Musculus intercostalis intimus
French
Muscle intercostaux intimes