What happens in the lungs when the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological changes that occur in the lungs during the relaxation of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles. This situation typically relates to the process of exhalation, where air is expelled from the lungs.
Answer
When the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, lung volume decreases, pressure increases, and air exits the lungs.
When the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax, the volume of the lungs decreases, causing the pressure inside the lungs to increase above atmospheric pressure. This pressure difference causes air to exit the lungs.
Answer for screen readers
When the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax, the volume of the lungs decreases, causing the pressure inside the lungs to increase above atmospheric pressure. This pressure difference causes air to exit the lungs.
More Information
During exhalation, the diaphragm returns to its domed shape, and the intercostal muscles cause the ribs to move downward and inward, facilitating the expulsion of air.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming inspiration and expiration are both active processes, but normal expiration is passive, relying mainly on the recoil of elastic tissues.
Sources
- The Process of Breathing - Lumen Learning - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Muscles of Respiration - Physiopedia - physio-pedia.com
- Role of the Intercostal Muscles & Diaphragm - Save My Exams - savemyexams.com
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