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The diaphragm (also called the thoracic diaphragm) is a layer of muscle extending across the bottom of the ribcage. The diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. A diaphragm in anatomy is generally used to describe flat structures, like the urogenital and pelvic diaphragm. However when someone speaks of "the diaphragm" they generally mean the thoracic one. With regards to respiration, the diaphragm is a crucial aspect of the process. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, allowing the thoracic cavity to grow (the external intercostal muscles also aid expansion) allowing the lungs to take in more air. This also decreases intra-thoracic pressure, meaning when the thoracic cavity grows it creates suction which draws air into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, air is exhaled thus relaxing (opposite of contracting) the diaphragm. This entire process happens every time a breath is taken.

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16y ago

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Is the lungs above or below the diaphragm?

the lungs are above the diaphragm.


How the diaphragm helps the lungs?

Your diaphragm contracts and expands when you breath. When the diaphragm contracts, air rushes into the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, air is exhaled.


What muscles move the air in and out of the lungs?

I think you meant move air into the lungs. The muscle is the diaphragm.


What muscle in the lungs which contract and releases changing the volume of the lungs?

I believe that answer is the diaphragm. As the diaphragm moves up and down, it expands the lungs, and when the diaphragm goes up, the lungs release the air out again.


Is the diaphragm bigger than the lungs or vice versa?

The lungs are bigger than the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs. When it contracts, it flattens out, creating more space in the chest cavity for the lungs to expand.


How does the diaphragm work to allow the lungs to inflate?

The diaphragm is a thin band of muscle under the lungs. When it contracts, the lungs are pulled up and out, reducing the air pressure and causing oxygen to be drawn in. When the diaphragm relaxes, the carbon dioxide is pushed out of the lungs.


Location of lungs in context of diaphragm?

The lungs are located above the diaphragm, which is a dome-shaped muscle located at the bottom of the chest cavity. The diaphragm separates the chest cavity (where the lungs are located) from the abdominal cavity (where organs like the liver and stomach are situated). When the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, it creates more space for the lungs to expand during inhalation.


Is the diaphragm superior to the lungs?

Yes the liver lies below the diaphragm on the right side of the abdomen.


When air moves into the lungs when the diaphragm muscles do what?

The diaphragm moves down to make the lungs expand (inhalation)


What is a muscle that forces the lungs to expand and contract and bring air into and out of the lungs?

Lungs do not actively expand and contract by themselves. A muscle below the lungs called the diaphragm acts as a bellow, creating negative pressure within the abdominal cavity that holds the lungs to allow air to rush in and out the lungs.


What is dome shaped muscle below your lungs and helps you breathe?

The dome shaped muscle that works with the lungs is the diaphragm.


What is Diaphragm?

Lungs do not contain muscle tissue. air enters your lungs when the muscular diaphragm contracts, pulling your ribs up and out. The diaphragm relaxes when you exhale.