We studied the patterns of rib cage (RC) deformation in six normal subjects breathing against different resistive and elastic inspiratory loads, and we examined, with concentric needle electrodes, the role played by the inspiratory intercostal muscles in the development of these patterns. Four of the subjects deformed their RC to a more elliptical shape during loaded inspirations; RC anteroposterior diameter became smaller and RC lateral diameter became larger. The RC deformation increased as the load increased, but it appeared to be independent of the nature of the load. Moreover these deformations were associated with a marked increase in the inspiratory activity of the intercostals situated in the lateral parts of the RC and a striking diminution of the activity in the parasternal area. On the other hand, two subjects invariably breathed along their RC relaxation characteristic, and they showed an increased inspiratory activity in all regions of the intercostal musculature. These findings indicate that 1) the pattern of RC deformation during loaded inspirations is closely related to the activity and coordination of the various inspiratory intercostal muscles, and 2) the parasternal intercostals are not necessarily representative of all the inspiratory intercostals. They are also strong evidence against the concept that the parasternal intercostal electrical activity normally recorded during quiet breathing is an excitatory reflex activity.