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Breathing

Inspiration (breathing in) and expiration (breathing out) involve many parts of the thorax moving in the following steps:

Inspiration

Inspiration

  • The diaphragm contracts and becomes flattened.
  • The internal intercostal muscles relax and the external intercostal muscles contract, moving the ribcage up and out.
  • The thorax volume increases, forcing air into the lungs because of decreased internal pressure.
Expiration

Expiration

  • The diaphragm relaxes and becomes dome-shaped.
  • The internal intercostal muscles contract and the external intercostal muscles relax, moving the ribcage downwards and in.
  • The thorax volume decreases, increasing internal pressure.
  • Air is forced out of the lungs.
Jump to other topics
1

The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2

Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3

Organism Functions

3.1

Respiration

3.2

Gas Exchange

3.3

Transport

3.4

Excretion

3.5

Coordination & Response

4

Reproduction & Inheritance

5

Ecology

6

Biological Resources

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    ExpirationPut in order
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    InspirationPut in order
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