The final group of respiratory muscles consists of the accessory muscles of respiration. Their use may be a sign of respiratory distress.

There are four groups of accessory muscles:

These muscles elevate the first two ribs.

Fig 1 The scalene muscles

The final group of respiratory muscles consists of the accessory muscles of respiration. Their use may be a sign of respiratory distress.

There are four groups of accessory muscles:

The sternomastoid muscles elevate the sternum.

Fig 2 The right sternomastoid

The final group of respiratory muscles consists of the accessory muscles of respiration. Their use may be a sign of respiratory distress.

There are four groups of accessory muscles:

The indicative flaring of the nostrils is commonly seen in children with mild respiratory distress.

Fig 3 Flaring of the nostrils in a child patient

The final group of respiratory muscles consists of the accessory muscles of respiration. Their use may be a sign of respiratory distress.

There are four groups of accessory muscles:

'Head bobbing' is a sign of severe respiratory distress in children.

Fig 4 Child patient in respiratory distress