Transversus Thoracis

Region: Chest Muscles · All chest muscles

Transversus Thoracis at a glance

OriginBack of the lower sternum and xiphoid process
InsertionInner surfaces of costal cartilages 2–6
ActionsDepresses the costal cartilages slightly in breathing out
Nerve supplyIntercostal nerves

◆ Good to know

The internal thoracic artery runs just lateral to it on the inside of the chest wall — relevant in coronary bypass surgery, where that artery is harvested.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.