What is the function of the diaphragm? Is the thoracic diaphragm part of the respiratory system?
1 Answer
Nov 30, 2015
The diaphragm is a skeletal (voluntary muscle) that contracts when we breathe in. Its purpose is to decrease the air pressure within the lungs so as to let air from the outside flow into our lungs. It's essentially creating a vacuum so air can come in and fill the void created by the "pulling" on our lungs. This new air coming in lets us exchange oxygen out of the air, for use by all our body's cells.
Yes diaphragm is part of respiratory system.
