Thoracic diaphragm
Thoracic Diaphragm
The Thoracic Diaphragm (pronounced: tho-RA-sik DYE-uh-fram) is a sheet of internal skeletal muscle in humans and other mammals that extends across the bottom of the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm is crucial for respiration, as its contraction increases the volume of the thorax and so inflates the lungs.
Etymology
The term "diaphragm" in anatomy originates from the Greek word diáphragma, meaning "partition", while "thoracic" is derived from the Greek thōrakikos, pertaining to the chest.
Structure
The thoracic diaphragm is a thin, dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity (containing the heart and lungs) from the abdominal cavity (containing the digestive organs). It is composed of muscle fibers and a central tendon, which is an aponeurosis.
Function
The primary function of the thoracic diaphragm is in respiration. When it contracts, the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, creating a negative pressure that draws air into the lungs. Relaxation of the diaphragm has the opposite effect, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity to expel air from the lungs.
Related Terms
- Phrenic nerve: The nerve that controls the movement of the diaphragm.
- Pleural cavity: The potential space between the two pleurae of the lungs.
- Peritoneum: The serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thoracic diaphragm
- Wikipedia's article - Thoracic diaphragm
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