Saunders Respiratory Practice 2025 - Free Respiratory Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What occurs during the process of inhalation?

Diaphragm relaxes and volume decreases

Diaphragm contracts and volume increases

During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, which causes it to move downwards. This contraction leads to an increase in the thoracic cavity's volume. As the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, the pressure within the lungs decreases relative to the atmospheric pressure outside the body. This pressure difference allows air to flow into the lungs, as air naturally moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure. Additionally, the intercostal muscles, which are located between the ribs, also assist in this process by contracting to lift the rib cage and further expand the chest cavity, although the primary action during inhalation is the contraction of the diaphragm.

This understanding of the mechanics of breathing is critical for grasping how the respiratory system functions to facilitate gas exchange in the body.

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Intercostal muscles contract only

Air is expelled from the lungs

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