Anatomedia Flashcards
1
Q
What unique mechanism prevents fatigue of the intercostal muscles?
A
The sequential fibre recruitment of alternate muscle fibres.
2
Q
How do the intercostal muscles contribute to respiration?
A
External intercostals contribute to quiet inspiration, internal intercostals to quiet expiration.
Both muscles work eccentrically to avoid the excess movement of the ribs when the diaphragm contracts. (aiding with the pump handle action)
The innermost intercostals prevent distension of the interspaces inwards during forced inspiration or outwards during forced expiration.
