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Inhalation is the process of taking air into the lungs. For this to occur, the air pressure inside the lungs must be lower than that of the external atmosphere as air flows from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure. This is achieved by the contraction of the external intercostal muscles and the relaxation of the internal intercostals which acts to pull the ribcage upwards and outwards, hence, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm also contracts to extend the cavity further downwards. Due to the function of the pleural membrane, the size of the lungs is increased which, in turn, creates an area of lower air pressure inside the lungs; hence, air is drawn into the lungs.

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13y ago

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