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The diaphragm is the main muscle responsible for inhalation. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity, which causes the lungs to expand and draw in air. In addition to the diaphragm, the intercostal muscles, which are attached between the ribs, also play an important role in inhalation by raising the rib cage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Muscle | Diaphragm |
| Diaphragm Movement | Contracts and moves downward |
| Diaphragm Effect | Increases space in the chest cavity |
| Intercostal Muscles | External, internal, and innermost |
| Intercostal Muscle Effect | Pull rib cage upward and outward |
| Accessory Muscles | Sternocleidomastoid, scalenus anterior, medius, and posterior, pectoralis major and minor, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, serratus posterior superior, iliocostalis cervicis |
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What You'll Learn
The diaphragm contracts and moves downward
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that sits below the lungs, separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This expansion of the thoracic cavity creates a vacuum, causing air to be drawn into the lungs.
The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for inhalation, but it is assisted by other muscles that help to elevate the rib cage. These include the external, internal, and innermost intercostal muscles, which are located in the intercostal spaces between the ribs. The contraction of these intercostal muscles pulls the ribs upward and outward, further increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
The sternocleidomastoid and scalenes (anterior, middle, and posterior) muscles are also accessory muscles that assist in elevating the rib cage during inhalation. These muscles originate from the sternum and clavicle and insert on the temporal bone and occipital bone, respectively, allowing for the elevation of the sternum and clavicle, which in turn lifts the ribs.
The contraction of the diaphragm and these accessory muscles during inhalation is a crucial process that ensures the lungs can expand and fill with air. This complex coordination of muscles allows for the necessary expansion of the thoracic cavity, demonstrating the body's remarkable ability to facilitate respiration.
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Intercostal muscles aid inhalation
During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This, in turn, causes the lungs to expand, drawing air into the lungs.
The intercostal muscles aid inhalation by working alongside the diaphragm. These muscles are attached between the ribs and play a role in manipulating the width of the rib cage. There are three layers of intercostal muscles: external, internal, and innermost intercostal muscles. The external intercostal muscles are the most important in respiration, as they are responsible for raising the rib cage, assisting in inhalation.
The contraction of the external intercostal muscles' fibres raises each rib toward the rib above, with the overall effect of lifting the rib cage. This action, along with the diaphragm's contraction, increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, creating a slight vacuum around the lungs, which causes air to flow in.
The intercostal muscles are one of the most important groups of respiratory muscles, and their elasticity is crucial to the health and functionality of the respiratory system. During physical activity, these muscles become even more crucial in aiding inhalation, as the body requires more oxygen to sustain the increased level of activity.
In addition to the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles, accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid and the scalenes (anterior, middle, and posterior) also play a role in inhalation by assisting in elevating the rib cage.
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Muscles in the neck and collarbone area help inhalation
The body's muscles and nervous system help control breathing. The diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing and is the primary inspiratory muscle. During inhalation, it contracts and moves downward, increasing the space in the chest cavity, and the lungs expand into it. The muscles between the ribs also help to enlarge the chest cavity. They contract to pull the rib cage upward and outward during inhalation.
There are about 30 neck muscles, extending from the skull and jaw to the collarbone and shoulder blades. Neck muscles support the head and neck and help with various movements, including breathing. The scalene muscles, a type of anterior neck muscle, move the first two ribs up and down to facilitate inhalation. They also help to stabilise the bones in the neck.
Accessory inspiratory muscles include the sternocleidomastoid, scalenus anterior, medius, and posterior, the pectoralis major and minor, the inferior fibres of serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi, and the serratus posterior superior. Any muscle attached to the upper limb and the thoracic cage can act as an accessory inspiratory muscle.
Damage to the nerves in the upper spinal cord can interfere with the movement of the diaphragm and other muscles in the chest, neck, and abdomen. This can cause respiratory failure and may require ventilator support or oxygen therapy.
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Sternocleidomastoid muscles lift the rib cage
During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the space in the chest cavity so that the lungs can expand. The muscles between the ribs also help to enlarge the chest cavity by pulling the rib cage upward and outward.
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It is the largest muscle in the front of the neck and can be felt on both the right and left sides. The SCM extends from the mastoid process at the base of the skull to the collarbones (clavicles) and breastbone (sternum).
The SCM is an accessory muscle of respiration. During inhalation, it works with other neck muscles to lift the breastbone and collarbone, creating space for the lungs to take in air. This movement is particularly important during strenuous exercise when the SCM and other accessory muscles are recruited to facilitate ventilation.
The SCM can be identified by placing the patient in a supine position with the head turned away from the side being assessed. The posterior border of the SCM can then be identified by drawing an imaginary line from the mastoid process to Chassaignac's tubercle over the SCM. Alternatively, the SCM can be identified by asking the patient to lift their head.
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Scalenus anterior muscles elevate the rib cage
During inhalation, or inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and causing the lungs to expand. The muscles between the ribs also contract, pulling the rib cage upward and outward.
The scalenus anterior is one of the accessory muscles of inspiration, or inhalation. It is one of three scalene muscles, along with the scalenus medius and scalenus posterior. The scalenus anterior muscle originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the C3-C6 vertebrae. It then moves inferiorly and vertically toward the thoracic cage, inserting into the scalene tubercle and superior border of the first rib.
The scalenus anterior muscle has the ability to elevate, or lift, the first rib superiorly. When the scalenus anterior contracts, it expands the antero-posterior diameter of the thorax, or rib cage. However, it only acts in this way during forced respiration, making it an accessory muscle rather than a primary respiratory muscle.
The scalenus anterior muscle also has other functions. It is involved in flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation of the neck. It can bend and laterally flex the neck to the same side as the muscle. Additionally, the scalenus anterior muscle has a role in the passage of certain anatomical structures. The brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass between the scalenus anterior and scalenus medius muscles, while the subclavian vein and phrenic nerve pass anteriorly to the scalenus anterior as it crosses over the first rib.
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Frequently asked questions
The diaphragm contracts during inhalation, moving downward and increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome shape, forcing air out of the lungs.
Intercostal muscles are attached between the ribs and play a role in inhalation by raising the rib cage. There are three types: external, internal, and innermost intercostal muscles. The external intercostal muscles are the most important in respiration.
Accessory muscles are those that assist in breathing but do not play a primary role. The sternocleidomastoid and scalenes (anterior, middle, and posterior) are typically included in the accessory muscles used during inhalation.
Muscles in the neck and collarbone area also help during inhalation. The muscles of the face, mouth, and pharynx control the lips, tongue, and soft palate, helping with breathing.
