Role of Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles in Breathing
Details the specific actions of the diaphragm and external/internal intercostal muscles during inspiration and expiration.
What is Role of Diaphragm and Intercostal Muscles in Breathing?
The process of taking air into the lungs.
Key points
- Explain the mechanism of inspiration.
- Explain the mechanism of quiet expiration.
- Describe the role of the diaphragm in breathing.
- Describe the role of external and internal intercostal muscles in breathing.
Common exam trap
Confusing the roles of external and internal intercostal muscles.
Definitions
- Term
Inspiration
- Meaning
The process of taking air into the lungs.
- Term
Expiration
- Meaning
The process of expelling air from the lungs.
- Term
Thoracic Cavity
- Meaning
The space within the chest that contains the lungs and heart.
- Term
Intrapulmonary Pressure
- Meaning
The pressure within the alveoli of the lungs.
Learning objectives
Explain the mechanism of inspiration.
Explain the mechanism of quiet expiration.
Describe the role of the diaphragm in breathing.
Describe the role of external and internal intercostal muscles in breathing.
Differentiate between active and passive phases of breathing.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of pressure and volume relationships.
Knowledge of the structure of the thoracic cavity and lungs.
Common mistakes
Confusing the roles of external and internal intercostal muscles.
Assuming exhalation is always an active process.
Not understanding how volume changes affect pressure.
Keywords
Breathing
Ventilation
Diaphragm
Intercostal Muscles
Inspiration
Expiration
Thoracic Volume
Pressure Gradient
Pulmonary Ventilation
Practice preview
Which muscles are primarily responsible for the relaxation phase of normal exhalation?…
easy
During forced breathing, the contraction of abdominal muscles primarily assists in:…
medium
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the mechanics of breathing?…
hard