Mechanics of breathing

Question 1

What happens in inspiration during rest

Answer 1

• lungs are pulled outwards
• intercostal muscles (between ribs) contract - lifts the ribcage up and out - volume inside chest cavity increases
  lungs are pulled outwards (connected to pleural membrane, attached to ribs)
• diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax - volume of thoracic cavity decreases and lungs return to resting size
  diaphragm contracts (flattens) - increases volume inside the chest cavity