intercostal Hear it!

intercostal Definition

inter·cos·tal (in′tər käs′təl, -kôs′-)

adjective

between the ribs

noun

an intercostal muscle, etc.

intercostal Related Forms
in′·ter·cos′·tally adverb
intercostal Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • muscle: Intercostal muscles make an important contribution to the meat content of North American pork spare ribs.
  • nerve: Difficulty breathing - as the intercostal nerves are blocked the patient may state that they can't take a deep breath.
  • space: A 2mm incision is made medial to the working port in the fourth intercostal space.
  • block: Intercostal nerve block - an injection of local anesthetic in the area between the ribs.
  • drain: Larger pneumothoraces will require placement of an intercostal chest drain attached to an under water seal.
  • paralysis: However, blocks spread more widely in the elderly and there may be compromise of respiratory function due to intercostal paralysis.