Muscles Involved in Breathing: A Comprehensive Guide
1). Diaphragm:
- Primary muscle of respiration
- Separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity
- Contracts and relaxes to draw air in and out of the lungs
2) Intercostal Muscles:
- Located between the ribs
- External intercostals: elevat the rib cage during inhalation
- Internal intercostals: depress the rib cage during exhalation
3) Scalene Muscles:
- Located on the sides of the neck
- Elevate the first two ribs during deep inhalation
4) Accessory Muscles of Inspiration:
- Used during deep breathing or when there is difficulty breathing
- include the sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis minor, and serratus anterior muscles.
5) Accessory Muscles of Expiration:
- Used during forced exhalation, such as coughing or sneezing.
- include the abdominal muscles, quadratus lumborum, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
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