RESPIRATORY MUSCLES Meaning and
Definition
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Respiratory muscles are a group of muscles responsible for the process of respiration, or the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. These muscles play a crucial role in the mechanics of breathing, allowing for the movement of air in and out of the lungs.
The main respiratory muscles include the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and accessory muscles. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs, separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It contracts and flattens during inhalation, creating a vacuum that pulls air into the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, allowing air to be expelled.
The intercostal muscles are located in between the ribs and aid in the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity during breathing. During inhalation, the intercostal muscles contract, lifting the ribcage and expanding the lungs. Exhalation occurs when these muscles relax and the ribcage returns to its original position.
Accessory respiratory muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles, assist in elevating the ribcage during periods of increased respiratory demand, such as during exercise or when a person is experiencing breathing difficulties.
Overall, the coordinated movement and contraction of these respiratory muscles ensure proper ventilation, allowing for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs and supporting overall respiratory function.
Common Misspellings for RESPIRATORY MUSCLES
- eespiratory muscles
- despiratory muscles
- fespiratory muscles
- tespiratory muscles
- 5espiratory muscles
- 4espiratory muscles
- rwspiratory muscles
- rsspiratory muscles
- rdspiratory muscles
- rrspiratory muscles
- r4spiratory muscles
- r3spiratory muscles
- reapiratory muscles
- rezpiratory muscles
- rexpiratory muscles
- redpiratory muscles
- reepiratory muscles
- rewpiratory muscles
- resoiratory muscles
- resliratory muscles
Etymology of RESPIRATORY MUSCLES
The word "respiratory" comes from the Latin word "respirare" meaning "to breathe". This Latin term is made up of two components: "re-" indicating back or again, and "spirare" meaning "to breathe".
The word "muscle" comes from the Latin word "mūsculus", which means "muscle" or "little mouse". It is believed to have been named so due to the resemblance of a contracting muscle to the movement of a mouse.
Therefore, the term "respiratory muscles" refers to the muscles that are involved in the process of respiration or breathing.
