The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for respiration. Connected to the abdominal wall, the lumbar vertebra, the lower ribs, the sternum, and the pericardium of the heart by tendinous tissue, the thin diaphragm creates a partition between the thoracic and abdominal cavity. The
diaphragm forms a domed structure, and when the diaphragm muscle contracts, it lowers to a more flattened arrangement. This flattening causes a vacuum in the thoracic cavity and pressure in the abdominal cavity. The vacuum is filled by the expanding lung tissue and inhaled air. The pressure on the lower viscera are helpful in childbirth and in pushing fecal matter through the lower intestinal tract for expulsion. When the diaphragm relaxes to its domed structure, the air is exhaled and the lungs contract. Though the intercostal and abdominal muscles are also used in respiration, during sleep, it is primarily due to contractions of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is supplied by the inferior and superior phrenic arteries and the musculophrenic artery. It is innervated phrenic nerve. Research Diaphragm
Abbreviations
Medicine
Research Diaphragm