musculus intercostalis
- noun
- /ˈmʌskjələs ˌɪntərˈkoʊtəlɪs/
- Specialized
- During deep breathing exercises, the musculus intercostalis plays a key role in expanding the ribcage.
Examples
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The musculus intercostalis contracts rhythmically to help us breathe during exercise.
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During inhalation, the musculus intercostalis contracts.
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In anatomy class, we learned how the musculi intercostales assist in inhalation and exhalation.
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The doctor explained that pain between the ribs might involve the musculus intercostalis.
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The musculus intercostalis plays a vital role in breathing.
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In yoga, engaging the musculus intercostalis can improve lung capacity and overall breathing.
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The physiotherapist demonstrated how to strengthen the musculus intercostalis for better respiratory function.
Synonyms
A muscle between the ribs that helps you breathe
Thin bands between the ribs that tighten to help you breathe in
How Big
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
musculus + intercostalis
The compound is fully compositional: 'musculus' denotes muscle and 'intercostalis' is analyzable as inter- (between) + costalis (rib‑related), so the phrase literally means the muscle between the ribs. This kind of Latin-derived anatomical formation is cross-linguistically regular and follows predictable morphological patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent elements would be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
Musculus intercostalis literally means musculus 'muscle' and intercostalis 'between the ribs'. These small muscles sit in the spaces between the ribs and lift them when you breathe, so the name describes their job of helping 'breathing'.