Final answer:
The internal intercostal muscle is found on the inner surface of the rib cage and assists with expiration by drawing the ribs together, decreasing the thoracic cavity volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The muscle being described is the internal intercostal muscle, which is found on the inner surface of the rib cage. This muscle originates on the margin of the sternum and has fibers that course to the inner chondral surface of ribs 2 through 6. When the internal intercostal muscles contract, they draw the ribs together and decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity, which assists with expiration by resisting the elevation of the rib cage during breathing. The external intercostal muscles, on the other hand, aid in inspiration by raising the rib cage and expanding it.