Mechanics Of Respiration

Question 1

What is inspiration?

Answer 1

It is an active process where there will be contraction of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles

Question 2

What is the result of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscle contracting?

Answer 2

All diameters of the chest are increased so the pressure inside thoracic cavity decreases less than the atmospheric pressure, so air rushes inside the lungs

Question 3

When does the contraction in expiration happens?

Answer 3

During active expiration

Question 4

What contracts during active expiration?

Answer 4

Abdominal muscles → increase the pressure inside the abdominal cavity pushing the diaphragm upwards
Internal intercostal muscles → lowering of the ribs decreasing the chest diameter

Question 5

What is normal respiratory rate?

Answer 5

12 - 16 cycles (breaths) / min

Question 6

What is respiratory cycle composed of?

Answer 6

Short inspiration
Longer expiration
Expiratory pause