What is a function of diaphragm?

Answer 1

The diaphragm has several functions:

• it separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity;
• it assists in breathing; and
• it helps expel substances from the abdominal cavity.

Cavity Barrier

The diaphragm is a flat sheet of muscle between the thoracic cavity (contains the lungs and heart) and the abdominal cavity (contains the stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, galbladder, pancreas, etc.) The diaphragm rests just below your lungs, and just above your liver, stomach, and spleen. It is shaped like an upside-down bowl, with the edges of the round bowl tightly fastened all around the inside of your rib cage. At rest, the top of the bowl points up, toward your lungs.

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Breathing

When the muscles in the diaphragm contract, the "bowl" flattens out and pulls down - into your abdominal cavity, toward your belly button. This downward movement coupled with the flattening of the muscle sheet increases the volume (the size) of the thoracic cavity. The increased volume creates a negative pressure (a vacuum) upon your lungs, and this negative pressure in turn causes your lungs to expand. As the lungs expand, air rushes in through your nose and mouth. This series of events is the means by which you inhale.

Both the diaphragm and the lungs have a natural elastic quality, so when you relax the diaphragm muscles, it returns to it's bowl shape, thus creating a positive pressure on your lungs, allowing them to return to their smaller size, in turn causing you to exhale.

Note that breathing is also facilitated by the rib muscles, called intercostal muscles. The diaphragm works together with the intercostal muscles to expand and contract the thoracic cavity to enable breathing.

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Material Expulsion

When you contract the muscles in the diaphragm, it flattens out and pushes downward, creating positive pressure upon the abdominal cavity. This increased pressure can assist expelling substances out of the abdominal cavity during regurgitation (throwing up), urination (peeing), and defecation (pooping).

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Hiccups

While arguable as a useful function, the diaphragm is responsible for hiccups. Hiccups occur when the diaphragm involuntarily spasms, causing a sudden rush of air into the lungs. The unanticipated inrush of air often momentarily forces the epiglottis closed, and it is the closing of this flap that causes the classic "hiccup" sound.

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Further Information

For more information, follow the related links below.

it is an insert that prevents the sperm from going any further. it blocks them from swimming to fertilize the egg. it does not kill the sperm or protect from STDs

Answer 2

When it is tightened (contracted), it increases the volume of the thorax (chest), thus lowering the pressure there and allowing air to flow into your lungs.

Answer 3

The diaphragm is a type of contraception that is made of silicone or rubber and is like a shallow cup. The function of the diaphragm after birth is to prevent pregnancy.

Answer 4

The function of the diaphragm is to expand the chest cavity when contracting so air will flow in. When relaxed, air will flow out. It is most important in breathing.

Answer 5

the function of the diaphragm is that it works with the lungs and ribs to get air into the lungs