Breathing Helpers: Intercostal Muscles and Trachea Cartilage

What Are Intercostal Muscles?

Intercostal muscles are the muscles between your ribs. They come in two sets:

• External Intercostal Muscles
• Internal Intercostal Muscles

Think of them like two teams of “rib movers” that help your chest get bigger or smaller so that you can breathe in and out.

 

How Do Intercostal Muscles Help with Breathing?

• When you breathe in:
  The external intercostal muscles contract (shorten), pulling your ribs up and out, making your chest bigger. A bigger chest means more space inside, so air rushes into your lungs.

• When you breathe out:
  The internal intercostal muscles can help by pulling your ribs down and in, making your chest smaller so air can leave.

In simple terms:

• External = Expand
• Internal = Inward

 

What About the Cartilage in the Trachea?

Your trachea (windpipe) is the tube that carries air down to your lungs. It has rings of cartilage (a bendy, tough material).

Why are these cartilage rings important?
They keep the trachea open and stop it from collapsing when you breathe in. Imagine a soft straw without support—it might squish flat. Cartilage acts like a firm frame, keeping your “air straw” open.

 

Table Summary

Part	Role
External Intercostal Muscles	Pull ribs up and out (inhale)
Internal Intercostal Muscles	Pull ribs down and in (exhale)
Cartilage in the Trachea	Keeps the airway open and prevents collapse