What are intercostal muscles?

Intercostal muscles are special muscles between your ribs, like tiny helpers that help you breathe.

Imagine you're putting on a jacket, when you pull it up, the zipper opens. Your intercostal muscles work kind of like a zipper for your chest. When you take a deep breath in, these muscles stretch out, making more space in your chest so your lungs can fill with air.

There are two kinds of intercostal muscles: the ones on top and the ones on the bottom. The top ones help you breathe in, while the bottom ones help you breathe out, like a team working together to make sure your lungs can do their job every time you inhale or exhale.

These muscles are always at work, even when you're asleep. They’re like little helpers you never notice but rely on all day long!