<prompt> During pleural tapping in the midaxillary line, which of the following muscles is not pierced?External intercostalInternal intercostalInnermost intercostalTransversus thoracis  <response>: Transversus thoracis is not pierced duirng pleural tapping. Transversus thoracis originates from the lower third of the posterior surface of the sternum, Xiphoid process and costal cailages of lower 3-4 true ribs. It inses into the cailage of the 2nd to 6th rib. It lies anteriorly, not in the mid-axillary line and hencce doesnot get piierced during pleural tapping. It is also called triangularis sternae or sternocostalis. The innermost muscular plane has three named muscles: Innermost intercostals are at the sides of the rib cage. Subcostalis are at the back. Transversus thoracis at the anterior pa of the thoracic rib cage. Ref: Gray;s Anatomy 41st edition Pgno: 941 