What happens to the intercostal muscles during inspiration?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the role of intercostal muscles during the process of inspiration, specifically what physical changes occur to these muscles when a person inhales.
Answer
External intercostal muscles contract, pulling ribs up and out during inspiration.
During inspiration, the external intercostal muscles contract, pulling the ribs upwards and outwards to expand the thoracic cavity and allow air to be drawn into the lungs.
Answer for screen readers
During inspiration, the external intercostal muscles contract, pulling the ribs upwards and outwards to expand the thoracic cavity and allow air to be drawn into the lungs.
More Information
The process of inhalation involves the contraction of the external intercostal muscles. This enlarges the chest cavity by moving the ribs upwards and outwards, which decreases air pressure in the cavity and allows air to flow into the lungs.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the action of the internal and external intercostal muscles. Remember, external intercostals are used for inspiration.
Sources
- Intercostal Muscles | Definition, Location & Function - Lesson - study.com
- Breathing - Health Video: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - medlineplus.gov
- Respiratory function of the rib cage muscles - PubMed - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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