The levatores costarum are a set of deep muscles of the back. They consist of 12 small paired muscles, and can also be considered a deep chest wall muscle group.
- Attachments: Originates from the transverse processes of C7-T11, and attaches to the rib below.
- Actions: Elevates the ribs during respiration. Contributes to lateral flexion of the vertebral column.
- Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves T1 – T12
- Blood Supply: Posterior intercostal arteries.