The _________ is a strong wall of muscle that contracts to create a suction in the chest to draw in air and expand the lungs When the muscle elves, the chest cavity decreases and the air is pushed out
The diaphragm is a strong wall of muscle that contracts to create a suction in the chest to draw in air and expand the lungs. When the muscle relaxes, the chest cavity decreases and the air is pushed out.
The muscle referred to in the question is the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it moves downward and flattens out, which creates a suction effect in the chest cavity. This suction pulls air into the lungs, expanding them. On the other hand, when the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, it reduces the size of the chest cavity and pushes air out of the lungs.
The muscle you are referring to is called the diaphragm. It is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs and above the abdominal organs. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens out, creating a suction effect that expands the chest cavity and allows the lungs to expand. This contraction creates a negative pressure within the chest, causing air to be drawn into the lungs through the nose and mouth.
To better understand how the diaphragm works and its role in breathing, you can try the following experiment:
1. Sit or stand in a relaxed position.
2. Take a deep breath in and try to focus on how your body expands as you inhale. Notice the movement of your ribcage and abdomen.
3. Now, as you exhale, pay attention to how your body contracts and feels the air being pushed out.
4. Place your hand on your lower ribs, just above your stomach, to feel the diaphragm's movement.
5. Take several more deep breaths, consciously engaging your diaphragm by expanding your stomach as you inhale and contracting it as you exhale.
By practicing this deep breathing exercise and honing your awareness of the diaphragm's movement, you will gain a better understanding of how it contracts to create suction to draw in air and expand the lungs.