Intercostal space

As intercostal (ICR, intercostale from Latin Rodin's " intercostal space " ) is referred to in the anatomy of the space between two adjacent ribs.

Anatomy

The intercostal space is closed by two superimposed muscles, the external and internal intercostal muscle (musculus externus and internus intercostal ) and the external and internal Brustwandfaszie ( thoracic fascia or fascia endothoracic externa ). In the lower thoracic region still comes to the subcostal muscle and in front Bruskorbbereich musculus transversus thoracis. Directly below, in animals behind each rib, run the corresponding intercostal blood vessels and nerves ( saphenous, posterior intercostal artery and nerve, in animals dorsalis) in the order vein - artery - nerve ( VAN ). Medical interventions, such as a thoracentesis, will therefore be carried out each rib on the upper edge ( front edge ). Blood supply of the intercostal spaces via the anterior and posterior intercostal arteries in the first two intercostal also over the upper chest artery.

The classification of the chest in intercostal spaces plays a role in the topography for numerous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The organs within the chest are topographically - defined anatomically especially in their relationship to the ribs and intercostal spaces. Important diagnostic methods are auscultation ( Behorchen of heat in the body sonic characters) of the heart ( see also heart sounds, heart murmurs ), the lung percussion as well as the heart, pericardium and the pleural puncture.

Clinically important intercostal

The Erb point in the 3rd ICS parasternal ( next to the breastbone ) on the left is the central Auskultationspunkt: Here you can best hear all heart sounds and get a first overview of the activities of the heart. At certain intercostal to pathological heart murmurs can assign the individual heart valves ( puncta maxima).

In humans, the puncta maxima are above intercostal following:

  • 2 ICS parasternal right: aortic valve
  • 2 ICS parasternal left: pulmonary valve
  • 4 ICS parasternal right: tricuspid valve
  • 5 ICR left above the apex of the heart: mitral valve

In animals, these puncta maxima are as follows:

  • 3 ICS parasternal left, height shoulder joint: pulmonary valve
  • 4th ICS left sternal border, height shoulder joint: aortic valve
  • 5th ICS parasternal left sternumnah: mitral valve
  • 4 ICS parasternal right sternumnah: tricuspid valve

For the chest leads to Wilson, a special form of the electrocardiogram (ECG), the electrodes are placed on the skin above defined intercostal spaces.

Anterior intercostal branches of internal thoracic artery Superior thoracic artery Erb's point (neurology)
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