Describe the anatomy of the intercostal space in relation to an intercostal block performed for an open cholecystectomy in a 45 year old

Malay male. Intercostal space anatomy = space that is enclosed between 2 ribs, intercostal muscles and aponeuroses, between which course through neurovascular bundle of chest wall Intercostal muscles . there are 3 layers . (1) external intercostal muscle .. runs downwards and towards from rib above to rib below .. extends from tubercle of rib posteriorly to costochondral junction in front .. merge into external intercostal membrane .(2) internal intercostal muscle .. runs at right angles to external intercostal muscles .. extends from sternum anteriorly to angle of ribs posteriorly .. replaced by posterior intercostal membrane posteriorly . (3) innermost intercostal muscle .. incomplete muscles bounded together by fascia Neurovascular bundle . in each intercostal space lies a neurovascular bundle, that lies in a groove at the lower border of ther rib, between the innermost and internal intercostal . from superiorly to inferiorly . (a) intercostal vein .. anterior veins drain into internal thoracic vein .. posterior veins drain into azygous vein. . (b) intercostal artery .. anterior intercostal arteries arise from internal thoracic artery .. posterior intercostal arteries arise from superior intercostal artery and thoracic aorta .. eventurally anastomose . (c) intercostal nerve .. from anterior rami of thoracic nerves T1 - T 11 .. branches : - rami communicantes to sympathetic trunk - collaterals to intercostal muscles and pleura - lateral cutaneous to lateral wall skin and muscles - anterior cutaneous to anterior wall skin and muscles