Question

What is the role of intercostal muscles and diaphragm in breathing ?

Answer 1

Intercostal muscles:

1. Intercostal muscles are present in between the ribs and are of three types internal, external and innermost.

Role of intercostal muscles:

1. They provide assistance in exhalation and help in the movement of ribs while breathing.

Diaphragm:

1. The diaphragm is the muscular partition that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavity.

Role of diaphragm:

1. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens causing an increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity and the lungs.
2. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards which leads to a decrease in the volume of the lungs