Breathing movement in mammals is accompanied by regular movements of the diaphragm and the

Breathing movement in mammals is accompanied by regular movements of the diaphragm and the

Answer Details

The breathing movement in mammals is accompanied by regular movements of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located at the bottom of the chest cavity, separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts and moves downwards, creating a vacuum that pulls air into the lungs. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards, pushing air out of the lungs. The intercostal muscles are the muscles located between the ribs. There are two sets of intercostal muscles, the external and internal intercostal muscles. These muscles work together to move the ribcage up and out during inhalation and down and in during exhalation. The external intercostal muscles contract during inhalation, pulling the ribs up and out, while the internal intercostal muscles contract during exhalation, pulling the ribs down and in. So, the regular movements of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles work together to enable breathing in mammals.