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The Respiratory System

Mechanics of breathing at rest and in exercise

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 01

Overview

The diaphragm and external intercostals in inspiration, passive expiration at rest, the sternocleidomastoid and pectoralis minor in exercise, active expiration with the internal intercostals and rectus abdominis, and breathing in recovery.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Which muscles are used for inspiration at rest?

Key term

How does the diaphragm move during inspiration at rest?

Key term

What do the external intercostals do during inspiration?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Which muscles are used for inspiration at rest?

    Model answer

    The diaphragm and the external intercostals are the muscles of inspiration at rest.

  2. 2

    How does the diaphragm move during inspiration at rest?

    Model answer

    The diaphragm contracts and flattens, moving downwards. The thoracic cavity lengthens, so its volume increases.

  3. 3

    What do the external intercostals do during inspiration?

    Model answer

    The external intercostals contract and lift the ribs upwards and outwards. The thoracic cavity widens, so its volume increases.

  4. 4

    Explain why air enters the lungs when the thoracic cavity expands.

    Model answer

    A larger volume lowers the pressure inside the lungs below atmospheric pressure. Air flows from the higher pressure outside to the lower pressure inside.

  5. 5

    Why is expiration at rest described as passive?

    Model answer

    Expiration at rest needs no muscular contraction. The diaphragm and external intercostals relax and the elastic lungs recoil.

  6. 6

    Explain how air leaves the lungs during expiration at rest.

    Model answer

    The ribs move down and in and the diaphragm domes upwards, shrinking the thoracic cavity. Lung pressure rises above atmospheric pressure, so air flows out.

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