The term "phrenic respiration" refers to the rhythmical contractions of the diaphragm muscle that enable breathing. The word "phrenic" comes from the Greek word "phrēn", meaning diaphragm, and is pronounced /ˈfriːnɪk/ (free-nik) in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "respiration" is derived from the Latin word "respirare", meaning to breathe, and is pronounced /ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃən/ (res-puh-ray-shuhn). Together, the term is pronounced /ˈfriːnɪk ˌrɛspəˈreɪʃən/ (free-nik res-puh-ray-shuhn) and refers to the process of breathing through the diaphragm muscle.
Phrenic respiration refers to the process of breathing or respiration that is primarily controlled by the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm muscle, which is innervated by the phrenic nerve. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs, dividing the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It plays a crucial role in the process of inhalation and exhalation.
During phrenic respiration, when it is time to inhale, the phrenic nerve sends signals to the diaphragm, causing it to contract and move downward. As a result, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, causing a decrease in the pressure within the lungs. This creates a pressure gradient that allows air to rush in and fill the lungs with oxygen.
Upon exhaling, the phrenic nerve signals the diaphragm to relax, allowing it to return to its dome-shaped position. This movement reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity, increasing the pressure within the lungs and causing air to be expelled.
Phrenic respiration is considered an involuntary process that is regulated by the respiratory centers located in the brainstem. However, it can also be influenced by conscious control to some extent. Disruption or damage to the phrenic nerve can result in respiratory difficulties or paralysis of the diaphragm, leading to impaired breathing and the need for medical interventions or treatments.
The word "phrenic" in "phrenic respiration" comes from the Greek word "phrēn" (φρήν), which means "diaphragm" or "mind". The Greek word "phren" was associated with breathing and the mind, as it was believed that the diaphragm played a role in both respiration and cognitive functions.
The word "respiration" comes from the Latin word "respiratio", which means "breathing". It is derived from the Latin words "re-" (repeatedly) and "spirare" (to breathe).
Therefore, "phrenic respiration" refers to the process of breathing or respiration that involves the diaphragm, which is associated with cognitive functions.