Mechanisms of breathing
Inspiration- breathing in
Expiration- breathing out
Inspiration
The thoracic cavity increases in size, allowing the lungs to expand and the pressure inside them to drop
Expiration
Thoracic cavity decreases in size, allowing the lungs size to decrease and the pressure inside to increase
Breathing in
Thoracic cavity gets bigger, External intercostal muscles contract, Ribs move up and out, Diaphragm contracts and flattens, Air pressure decreases
Breathing out
Thoracic cavity gets smaller, Internal intercostal muscles contract, Ribs move down and in, Diaphragm relaxes (curves/dome shape), Air pressure increases