Transversus thoracis muscle
Updates to Article Attributes
The transversus thoracis muscle is the most anterior muscle of the inner layer (external intercostal, internal intercostal and transversus thoracis) of the thoracic wall.
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 transverse thoracis muscle is an accessory muscle for respiration. It pulls the ribs crainally which supports expiration.
-<p>The <strong>transversus thoracis</strong> muscle is the most anterior muscle of the inner layer (<a href="/articles/external-intercostal-muscle">external intercostal</a>, <a href="/articles/internal-intercostal-muscles">internal intercostal</a> and transversus thoracis) of the thoracic wall. </p><h4>Gross Anatomy</h4><p>The transversus thoracis is a thin band of muscle and tendon arising from the lower posterior surface of the <a href="/articles/sternum">sternum</a>, posterior edge of the <a href="/articles/xiphisternum">xiphisternum</a> and the <a href="/articles/costal-cartilage">costal cartilage</a> 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 <a href="/articles/costal-cartilage">costal cartilages</a> <sup>1</sup>. The transversus thoracis muscle is morphologically identical to the <a href="/articles/transversus-abdominis-muscle">transversus abdominis</a> muscle <sup>2</sup>. </p><h5>Blood Supply</h5><ul><li>- +<p>The <strong>transversus thoracis</strong> muscle is the most anterior muscle of the inner layer (<a href="/articles/external-intercostal-muscle">external intercostal</a>, <a href="/articles/internal-intercostal-muscle">internal intercostal</a> and transversus thoracis) of the thoracic wall. </p><h4>Gross Anatomy</h4><p>The transversus thoracis is a thin band of muscle and tendon arising from the lower posterior surface of the <a href="/articles/sternum">sternum</a>, posterior edge of the <a href="/articles/xiphisternum">xiphisternum</a> and the <a href="/articles/costal-cartilage">costal cartilage</a> 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 <a href="/articles/costal-cartilage">costal cartilages</a> <sup>1</sup>. The transversus thoracis muscle is morphologically identical to the <a href="/articles/transversus-abdominis-muscle">transversus abdominis</a> muscle <sup>2</sup>. </p><h5>Blood Supply</h5><ul><li>