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AnatomyThoraxThoracic wall
Muscles of the thoracic wall

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Muscles of the thoracic wall: want to learn more about it?

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Muscles of the thoracic wall

Learning objectives:

After going through this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify and name the muscles of the thoracic wall.
  2. Describe their attachment points and innervation patterns.
  3. Understand the anatomic relations between the muscles.

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The muscles of the thoracic wall are defined as muscles attached to the bony framework of the thoracic cage. They maintain the stability of the thoracic wall, and play a role in respiration. The muscles of the thoracic wall include the following muscle groups:

  • Serratus posterior muscles
  • Levatores costarum muscles 
  • Intercostal muscles
  • Subcostal muscles 
  • Transversus thoracis muscles

Note that some of the muscles of the pectoral girdle and neck, such as the pectoralis major and minor or the scalene muscles, also aid in respiration. However, from an anatomical point of view, the true muscles of the thoracic wall are those listed above.

The following video will introduce you to the anterior trunk muscles in general, with an emphasis on a few specific muscle groups of the thoracic wall.

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Summarize everything you've learned through our quiz:

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Custom quiz: Thoracic wall For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Revise the anatomy and relations of these muscles with our gallery:

Summary

Key points about muscles of the thoracic wall
Muscles Serratus posterior muscles (superior, inferior)
Levatores costarum muscles
Intercostal muscles (external, internal, innermost)
Subcostal muscles
Transversus thoracis muscles
Innervation Thoracic nerves, intercostal nerves
Function Accessory respiratory muscles, support and stabilize thoracic cage

Well done!

Related articles

Thorax Read article
Muscles of the trunk Read article
Intercostal muscles Read article

Continue your learning

Do you want to become an expert on the muscles of the trunk? Find out more about muscles of the abdomen and back through the following study units:

Muscles of the abdominal wall Explore study unit
Superficial muscles of the back Explore study unit
Deep muscles of the back Explore study unit

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