Muscles Of Respiration - Diaphragm

Question 1

Describe the diaphragm

Answer 1

A thin musculotendinous, dome shaped sheet of muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen

Question 2

What tendon does the diaphragm have?

Answer 2

It has a flat central tendon

Question 3

What is the diaphragm attached to?

Answer 3

The lower ribs and vertebral column

Question 4

What nerves is the diaphragm innervated by?

Answer 4

The right and left phrenic nerves which have their origins at the third to fifth cervical spinal nerves (C3-C5)

Question 5

What is the diaphragm highest point?

Answer 5

T9 and is attached to the body wall with T12

Question 6

Where does blood supply of the diaphragm originate from?

Answer 6

Intercostal arteries

Question 7

What are the 3 structures that travel through the diaphragm?

Answer 7

The descending aorta, inferior vena cava and oesophagus

Question 8

Describe contraction of the diaphragm

Answer 8

Contraction flatterns the diaphragm, increasing the volume of the thorax, external intercostal muscles contracts and pulls your ribs apart. Decreases pressure and is an ACTIVE process

Question 9

Describe expiration

Answer 9

Relaxation of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles relax, decrease volume of thorax, increase pressure and it is a PASSIVE process

Question 10

What happens when you forcefully exhale?

Answer 10

Force the air out, requires extra muscle work and contraction, pushes abdominal muscles up creating less space and less volume - needs higher pressure to force the air out