MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The diaphragm, located below the lungs, is the major muscle of respiration. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle that contracts rhythmically and continually, and most of the time, involuntarily. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens and the chest cavity enlarges.

Detailed explanation-2: -Contraction of the diaphragm expands the abdomen and the lower part of the rib cage (abdominal rib cage). The rib cage muscles, including the intercostals, the parasternals, the scalene and the neck muscles, mostly act on the upper part of the rib cage (pulmonary rib cage) and are both inspiratory and expiratory.

Detailed explanation-3: -Your diaphragm contracts rhythmically and involuntarily (such as during sleep) due to signals from your brain. You can also voluntarily contract your diaphragm to hold your breath, to breathe more deeply or faster, or to exert your muscles.

Detailed explanation-4: -In regular respiration, the genioglossus and other muscles of the floor of the mouth, such as the hypoglossus, are electrically involved in coordination with the diaphragm, immediately before contraction of the diaphragm itself.