Which of the following changes occur in diaphragm and intercostal musc...
During expiration, the internal intercostal muscles contract, and the diaphragm relaxes. This is because the internal intercostal muscles contracting and the diaphragm relaxing decreases the volume of the thoracic cavity. This in turn decreases the volume of the lungs.
View all questions of this test
Which of the following changes occur in diaphragm and intercostal musc...
During expiration or exhalation, the volume of the thoracic cavity decreases, causing air to flow out of the lungs. This process is aided by the relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
Internal Intercostal Muscles Contract:
• The internal intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, contract during expiration.
• This contraction pulls the ribs downward and inward, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
Diaphragm relaxes:
• The diaphragm, a large dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities, relaxes during expiration.
• This relaxation causes it to move upwards, further decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
Combined effect:
• The combined effect of the internal intercostal muscles contracting and the diaphragm relaxing results in a decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity.
• This decrease in volume causes air to be forced out of the lungs, resulting in expiration.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.