Use the words inspiration and expiration to describe the part of the breathing cycle that occurs as a result of each of the following:
a. The diaphragm contracts.

Question

Use the words inspiration and expiration to describe the part of the breathing cycle that occurs as a result of each of the following:

a. The diaphragm contracts.

Accepted Answer

Hey, everyone, we're asked to describe the part of the breathing cycle that occurs when the thoracic cavity expands, use the terms inspiration and expiration. So, thinking about the inhalation phase of breathing, this is also called inspiration. And during this air will enter our lungs until the pressure inside of our lungs is in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure. So essentially our diaphragm contracts the rib cage, the thoracic cavity and the lungs all expand. So we see an increase in volume here. Now, when we talk about Boyle's law, we know that our pressure is inversely proportional to our volume. So per boils law, this would mean during inspiration, we see a decrease in pressure. Now, let's go ahead and talk about expiration. Now, expiration is the exhalation phase of breathing. So air is expelled from the lungs. Here, our diaphragm and our rib cage will relax. Our thoracic cavity will decrease, which essentially means our lungs will decrease in volume and per boils laws. Since pressure is inversely proportional to volume, we will also see an increase in pressure. So to answer this question, the part of the breathing cycle when the thoracic cavity expands would be inspiration since the expansion of the thoracic cavity allows for that increase in volume and that decrease in pressure. So I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions.

Use the words inspiration and expiration to describe the part of the breathing cycle that occurs as a result of each of the following:
a. The diaphragm contracts.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Diaphragm Function

Inspiration

Expiration