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Describe what happens to the rib cage when the intercostal muscles contract.

Question

Describe what happens to the rib cage when the intercostal muscles contract.

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Solution

  1. The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and come in two layers: the internal intercostal muscles and the external intercostal muscles.

  2. When you inhale, the external intercostal muscles contract. This causes the ribs to move upward and outward.

  3. As the ribs move upward and outward, the size of the chest cavity increases. This decrease in pressure allows air to flow into the lungs.

  4. On the other hand, when you exhale, the internal intercostal muscles contract. This causes the ribs to move downward and inward.

  5. As the ribs move downward and inward, the size of the chest cavity decreases. This increase in pressure forces air out of the lungs.

  6. Therefore, the contraction and relaxation of the intercostal muscles play a crucial role in the process of breathing by changing the size of the chest cavity.

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Similar Questions

What happens to your ribcage when you breathe out?

What muscles pull the ribcage inward and downward during forceful expiration?

Select all of the following that describes expiration.Multiple select question.Pressure in the lungs decreases.Rib cage moves down and in.Diaphragm relaxes and moves up.Internal intercostal muscles pull the ribs inward.

During inspiration, the external _____ muscles _____ to _____ the rib cage. Group of answer choicesintercostal, relax, elevateintercostal, contract, elevateshoulder, relax, elevateshoulder, contract, lower

During exhalation, what happens to the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles?

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