AP BIOLOGY

ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

GAS EXCHANGE IN HUMANS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Which muscle action is associated with an increase in the volume of the thoracic cavity when breathing in?
A
The diaphragm contracts.
B
The external intercostal muscles relax.
C
The internal intercostal muscles contract.
D
The abdominal muscles contract.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -When the lungs inhale, the diaphragm contracts and pulls downward. At the same time, the muscles between the ribs contract and pull upward. This increases the size of the thoracic cavity and decreases the pressure inside.

Detailed explanation-2: -Action: diaphragm is the main inspiratory muscle, during inspiration it contracts and moves in an inferior direction that increases the vertical diameter of the thoracic cavity and produces lung expansion, in turn, the air is drawn in.

Detailed explanation-3: -The diaphragm is attached to the base of the sternum, the lower parts of the rib cage, and the spine. As the diaphragm contracts, it increases the length and diameter of the chest cavity and thus expands the lungs. The intercostal muscles and neck muscles help move the rib cage and thus assist in breathing.

Detailed explanation-4: -External intercostal muscles: Muscles located between the ribs that help the thoracic cavity and pleural cavity expand during quiet and forced inspiration.

Detailed explanation-5: -The thoracic wall is made up of five muscles: the external intercostal muscles, internal intercostal muscles, innermost intercostal muscles, subcostalis, and transversus thoracis. These muscles are primarily responsible for changing the volume of the thoracic cavity during respiration.

There is 1 question to complete.