Intercostal space
Intercostal space | |
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | spatium intercostale |
TA98 | A02.3.04.007 |
TA2 | 1102 |
FMA | 12243 |
Anatomical terminology |
The intercostal space (ICS) is the
Structures in intercostal space
- several kinds of intercostal muscle
- intercostal arteries and intercostal veins
- intercostal lymph nodes
- intercostal nerves
Order of components
Muscles
There are 3 muscular layers in each intercostal space, consisting of the external intercostal muscle, the internal intercostal muscle, and the thinner innermost intercostal muscle.[2][3] These muscles help to move the ribs during breathing.[4]
Neurovascular bundles
Neurovascular bundles are located between the internal intercostal muscle and the innermost intercostal muscle.[3] The neurovascular bundle has a strict order of vein-artery-nerve (VAN), from top to bottom.[2] This neurovascular bundle runs high in the intercostal space, and the smaller collateral neurovascular bundle runs just superior to the lower rib of the space (in the order NAV from superior to inferior). Invasive procedures such as thoracentesis are performed with oblique entry of the instrument, directly above the upper margin of the relevant rib, to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundles.[2]
Nerves
In reference to the muscles of the
References
- ^ Troyer, A. D., Kelly, S., Macklem, P. T., & Zin, W. A. (1985). Mechanics of intercostal space and actions of external and internal intercostal muscles. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 75(3), 850-857. doi:10.1172/jci111782
- ^ ISBN 978-0-443-10373-5, retrieved November 16, 2020
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4160-3993-8, retrieved November 16, 2020
- ISBN 978-0-7020-3032-1, retrieved November 16, 2020
External links
- Anatomy figure: 18:04-00 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Structural organization within an intercostal space."
- Anatomy photo:18:01-0108 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Thoracic Wall: The Anterior Thoracic Wall"