What happens when the diaphragm relaxes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the physiological process that occurs when the diaphragm, a muscle involved in breathing, relaxes. This typically involves a reduction in the volume of the thoracic cavity, leading to a decrease in air pressure and the eventual expulsion of air from the lungs.
Answer
The diaphragm moves to its domelike shape, reducing chest cavity space, and expelling air from the lungs.
When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back to its domelike shape, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and forcing air out of the lungs.
Answer for screen readers
When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves back to its domelike shape, decreasing the space in the chest cavity and forcing air out of the lungs.
More Information
The diaphragm is a crucial muscle in the respiratory system. Its relaxation causes an increase in chest cavity pressure and a decrease in volume, facilitating air expulsion from the lungs.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that the diaphragm flattens when it relaxes, but it actually returns to its domelike shape.
Sources
- Diaphragm and lungs: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image - medlineplus.gov
- Breathing - Health Video: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - medlineplus.gov
- What is the Diaphragm? Related Conditions - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
