What muscles aid in breathing?

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.