The crus muscles (there are two) are muscles that connect the bottom of the diaphragm to the spine. These muscles assist in breathing. When we inhale, the crus muscles pull the bottom of the diaphragm towards the spine, allowing more space for the expansion of the lungs. They release the diaphragm when we exhale so that the diaphragm may return to its relaxed, dome-shaped position. The left crus muscle is slightly shorter than the right crus muscle.