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Accessory breathing muscles are those that assist the main breathing muscles when additional power is needed, for example during exercise or for those with respiratory conditions. The diaphragm is the primary muscle used for breathing, with the intercostal muscles also playing a role. However, in cases where breathing becomes more difficult, accessory muscles are recruited to help with inhalation and exhalation. These include the sternocleidomastoid, the scalenes, the pectoralis major, and the trapezius, among others. The use of these accessory muscles can be indicative of respiratory distress, and they are often activated in cases of respiratory conditions such as COPD or during strenuous physical activity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Accessory breathing muscles are those that provide assistance to the main breathing muscles when additional power is needed. |
| Activation | Accessory breathing muscles are not active during regular breathing for people in good health. They may be used during deep breaths, strenuous exercise, or when a person has a condition that makes breathing more difficult. |
| Types | Accessory breathing muscles include the scalene, the sternocleidomastoid, the pectoralis major, the trapezius, the external intercostals, serratus anterior, pectoralis minor, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, iliocostalis, and quadratus lumborum. |
| Function | These muscles assist in breathing by elevating the rib cage. |
| Use Cases | Accessory breathing muscles are used during times of increased metabolic need, such as exercise, and during dysfunction in the respiratory system. They are also used to compensate for respiratory conditions like hypoxemia and hypercapnia or systemic conditions leading to metabolic acidosis. |
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What You'll Learn
- Accessory breathing muscles are used during strenuous exercise
- They are also used during dysfunction in the respiratory system
- They are used to compensate for respiratory conditions leading to hypoxemia
- Accessory breathing muscles are used during deliberate deep breathing
- They are also used during end-of-life care
Accessory breathing muscles are used during strenuous exercise
Accessory breathing muscles are those that assist the primary breathing muscles, but do not play a primary role in breathing. They are used when additional power is needed, such as during strenuous exercise, or when a person has a condition that makes breathing more difficult.
The primary breathing muscles are the diaphragm and external intercostals. The diaphragm is the major muscle of ventilation and is responsible for breathing. It is a thin, dome-shaped muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, moving its centre downwards and its edges upwards. This compresses the abdominal cavity, raises the ribs, and expands the thoracic cavity, drawing air into the lungs. Exhalation is typically a passive process, with the elastic recoil of the lungs and surface tension causing the thoracic cavity to contract and air to be forced out of the lungs.
However, during strenuous exercise, accessory breathing muscles are recruited to help meet the increased metabolic need of the body. These include the sternocleidomastoid, the scalenus anterior, medius, and posterior, the pectoralis major and minor, the serratus anterior, and the latissimus dorsi. These muscles assist in elevating the rib cage, allowing for greater inhalation.
In addition to strenuous exercise, accessory breathing muscles may also be used during deliberate deep breathing, such as when swimming underwater or blowing out birthday cake candles. They can also be activated during typical breathing in people with respiratory conditions, such as COPD, that make breathing more difficult. In such cases, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles may be at a disadvantage due to over-inflation of the lungs, leading to the use of accessory muscles to compensate.
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They are also used during dysfunction in the respiratory system
Accessory breathing muscles are those that provide assistance to the main breathing muscles when additional power is needed. They are typically used during strenuous exercise, but they are also used when there is a dysfunction in the respiratory system.
The use of accessory muscles for breathing is generally a sign that the respiratory system is under stress or that normal breathing mechanics are compromised. For example, during an asthma attack, the airways become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe and often requiring the use of accessory muscles. Similarly, in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the lungs' ability to exchange gases is impaired, often requiring additional muscular effort for breathing. In such cases, the lungs over-inflate and air becomes trapped, leaving the primary breathing muscles unable to move enough air in and out of the lungs, leading to the use of accessory muscles.
Other conditions that may lead to the use of accessory muscles include pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, muscular dystrophy, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In each of these cases, the accessory muscles are recruited to assist in the respiratory effort when breathing becomes difficult or laborious.
The accessory breathing muscles include the sternocleidomastoid, which helps lift the sternum and allows for greater expansion of the lungs, and the scalene muscles (anterior, middle, and posterior), which help lift the first two ribs and contribute to the expansion of the chest. The abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis and obliques) are also accessory muscles that contract to push the diaphragm upwards, aiding in expelling air from the lungs.
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They are used to compensate for respiratory conditions leading to hypoxemia
Accessory breathing muscles are those that provide assistance to the main breathing muscles when additional power is needed, such as during exercise or for those with respiratory conditions. The primary inspiratory muscles are the diaphragm and external intercostals. The diaphragm contracts and moves downward during inspiration, while the external intercostals lift the rib cage upward and outward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
The accessory breathing muscles are used when a person has a respiratory condition that leads to hypoxemia, which is when oxygen levels in the blood are lower than typical. Conditions that can lead to hypoxemia include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). In these cases, the lungs may over-inflate and air can become trapped, leaving the primary breathing muscles unable to adequately move air into and out of the lungs.
Additionally, obesity can increase the work of breathing, possibly leading to the use of accessory muscles. Obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or Pickwickian syndrome, can lead to hypercapnia and hypoxia due to altered lung and chest wall mechanics. As the condition progresses, chronic hypercapnia results in respiratory acidosis.
Accessory breathing muscles are also used during strenuous activity or high-altitude environments where oxygen availability is reduced.
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Accessory breathing muscles are used during deliberate deep breathing
Accessory breathing muscles are those that assist in breathing but are not the primary muscles used for the process. The primary inspiratory muscles are the diaphragm and external intercostals. The diaphragm is the major muscle responsible for breathing and is the only one used during normal breathing. It is a thin, dome-shaped muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the thoracic cavity.
The use of accessory muscles during rest or normal breathing may indicate respiratory distress or certain health conditions. For example, people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) may be forced to activate their accessory muscles for expiration due to lung over-inflation and air trapping. Additionally, in infants, the accessory muscles may be recruited during general anesthesia as they cannot control their breathing to the same extent as adults, and their intercostal muscles are not yet fully developed.
In summary, accessory breathing muscles are typically used during deliberate deep breathing, exercise, or as a result of respiratory conditions. These muscles assist the diaphragm and intercostals in ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation.
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They are also used during end-of-life care
Accessory breathing muscles are those that are not primarily responsible for respiration but can assist in the act of breathing when there is an increased demand for oxygen or a compromise in lung function. They are also known as the breathing pump muscles. The primary muscles involved in breathing are the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles.
During end-of-life care, a person may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which is common at the end of life. This is called dyspnea. Doctors will examine the person's breathing rate and look for abnormalities, which may include the activation of accessory muscles. End-of-life care is a term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. This care can take place over days, weeks, or months, depending on the person's needs and preferences.
To ease breathing for someone receiving end-of-life care, steps can be taken such as raising the head of the bed, opening a window, using a humidifier, or circulating air in the room with a fan. Morphine or other pain medications can also help relieve breathlessness. It is important to keep things simple and comfortable for the person, such as providing a bedside commode or offering small amounts of their favourite foods.
Additionally, during end-of-life care, it is essential to monitor the person's overall comfort and well-being. This includes preventing bed sores by turning them in bed every few hours and reducing pressure with foam pads. It is also common for people nearing the end of life to experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and digestive issues, so offering gentle assistance and frequent small meals can be helpful.
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Frequently asked questions
Accessory breathing muscles are those that provide assistance to the main breathing muscles when additional power is needed. They are used during strenuous exercise or by those with airway pathologies such as COPD.
The diaphragm is the major muscle of ventilation and is the primary muscle used during normal breathing. The intercostal muscles also play a role, with the external intercostals contributing to quiet breathing.
Accessory breathing muscles are used when taking a deliberately deep breath, such as when swimming underwater or blowing out birthday candles. They are also used during exercise and by those with respiratory conditions that make breathing more difficult, such as COPD.
