Which muscles between the ribs are involved in breathing?

• A. Diaphragm
• B. Intercostal Muscles
• C. Larynx
• D. Soft Palate

Answer: (B)

Intercostal muscles are the muscles located between the ribs, and they play a key role in breathing by changing the size of the chest cavity. When you breathe in, the external intercostals lift the ribs outward and upward, expanding the thoracic volume and helping air flow into the lungs. When you breathe out, the internal intercostals assist with forced expiration by pulling the ribs downward and inward to decrease chest volume and push air out.

The diaphragm also contributes to breathing, but it isn’t between the ribs—it sits below the lungs and contracts to enlarge the thoracic cavity during inspiration. The larynx and soft palate are parts of the airway and vocal/trapping areas rather than the muscles that move the rib cage during normal breathing.