Multiple Choice
Which change in the thoracic cavity causes air to be drawn into the lungs during inhalation?
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22. The Respiratory System
Ventilation
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In human ventilation, which muscle is the primary muscle of inspiration (the main muscle of the respiratory system)?
A
Rectus abdominis
B
Diaphragm
C
Internal intercostal muscles
D
Sternocleidomastoid
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of ventilation, which involves inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling). The primary muscle responsible for inspiration is the one that actively contracts to increase thoracic volume.
Recall that the diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs and heart, separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the vertical dimension of the thoracic cavity, which decreases the pressure inside the lungs and allows air to flow in.
Other muscles like the sternocleidomastoid and intercostal muscles assist in forced or deep inspiration but are not the primary muscles during normal, quiet breathing.
Therefore, identify the diaphragm as the main muscle responsible for inspiration in human ventilation.
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