Patients experiencing hypoxemia or hypermetabolism try to increase their oxygen intake by using their sternocleidomastoid,rectus abdominis,trapezius,and scalene muscles.What are these muscles called?

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The sternocleidomastoid,rectus abdominis,trapezius,and scalene muscles are the accessory muscles.The accessory muscles are attempting to create an extra respiratory effort to inhale needed oxygen.Patients experiencing hypoxic events such as COPD,pneumonia,etc.,usually present with accessory muscle use.Those experiencing hypermetabolic states such as exercise,fever,or infection also use the accessory muscles.During inspiration the external intercostal muscles elevate the ribs,thus increasing the size of the thoracic cavity.During expiration,the internal intercostal muscles draw adjacent ribs together,thereby decreasing the size of the thoracic cavity.The diaphragm is the principle muscle of respiration.

Patients Experiencing Hypoxemia or Hypermetabolism Try to Increase Their Oxygen