Function of ribs and diaphragm in the breathing process?

The ribs and diaphragm play crucial roles in the breathing process. Here's how they function:

Ribs:

1. Inspiration (Inhalation): During inhalation, the muscles between the ribs, called the intercostal muscles, contract. This causes the ribs to move upwards and outwards, expanding the chest cavity. As the chest cavity expands, the lungs expand as well, creating a negative pressure that draws air into the lungs.

2. Expiration (Exhalation): During exhalation, the intercostal muscles relax, and the ribs move downwards and inwards. This reduces the volume of the chest cavity, compressing the lungs and forcing air out.

Diaphragm:

1. Inspiration (Inhalation): The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located just below the lungs. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downwards. This increases the vertical space in the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to expand further and draw air in.

2. Expiration (Exhalation): When the diaphragm relaxes, it moves upwards, reducing the vertical space in the chest cavity. This puts pressure on the lungs, causing them to recoil and expel air.

Together, the coordinated movement of the ribs and diaphragm creates the changes in pressure needed for air to flow in and out of the lungs, facilitating the process of breathing.