During quiet inhalation, the respiratory muscles responsible for breathing are the diaphragm, the external intercostal muscles, and the scalene muscles. These muscles work together to expand the chest cavity and allow air to enter the lungs.
The diaphragm is a large, flat muscle located at the bottom of the rib cage. During quiet inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity for the lungs to expand into. This allows the lungs to fill with air and oxygen to be transported to the body`s cells.
The external intercostal muscles are located between the ribs and play an important role in breathing. During quiet inhalation, these muscles contract and lift the rib cage upward and outward, further expanding the chest cavity and increasing the amount of air that can be taken in.
The scalene muscles are located in the neck and are responsible for elevating the first two ribs during inhalation. This action helps to further expand the chest cavity, allowing even more air to be taken in.
Overall, during quiet inhalation, these respiratory muscles work together in a coordinated effort to allow air to enter the lungs and provide our bodies with the oxygen they need. While we may not consciously think about breathing, these muscles are constantly working to ensure that we are able to take in the air we need to survive and thrive.
