Question

What are the functions of the following in breathing?
Ribs, Diaphragm, Abdomina <!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> [Review Questions - Pg No.149 - LAT - 5]

Answer 1

(a)The functions of ribs in breathing are:

• They help in expansion and contraction of thoracic cavity.
• It helps the intercostal muscles to stretch between it which enlarges the chest cavity at the time of breathing.
• They form a protective cage to protect the lungs and heart from any outside damage.

(b)

The functions of diaphragm in breathing are:

• It plays an important role in the process of respiration as a primary muscle.
• It contracts continuously as we breathe in and out in a rhythmic manner.
• Upon contraction, it flattens from the dome-shaped outline to the almost horizontal plane.

(c)

The functions of the abdominal muscles are:

• They help in increasing the size of the thoracic cavity through diaphragm motion that insists in inspiration.
• They raise and lower the ribs fro respiration.
• They contract forcing the contents of the abdomen upwards, reducing the chest cavity volume and resulting in the contraction of lungs for expiration.