Transversus thoracis muscle
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
At the time the article was created James Ling had no recorded disclosures.
View James Ling's current disclosuresAt the time the article was last revised Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures.
View Craig Hacking's current disclosuresThe transversus thoracis muscle is the innermost muscle of the anterior thoracic wall (deep to external intercostal and internal intercostal muscles).
Gross anatomy
The transversus thoracis is a thin band of muscle and tendon arising from the lower posterior surface of the sternum, posterior edge of the xiphisternum and the costal cartilage of the lowest 3-4 ribs at their sternal end. It diverges supero-laterally to attach by slips to the underside of the 2nd to 6th costal cartilages 1. The transversus thoracis muscle is morphologically identical to the transversus abdominis muscle 2.
Blood supply
Nerve supply
Action
The transversus thoracis muscle is an accessory muscle of respiration. It depresses the ribs which supports expiration.
References
- 1. Gray Henry, T. Pickering Pick and Robert Howden. Anatomy, descriptive and surgical. 39th ed. New York: Bounty Books, 1977
- 2. Sinnatamby, C. and Last, R. Last's anatomy. 12th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2011
- 3. West J. Respiratory physiology - the essentials. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Klower/Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2011
Incoming Links
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