PhysiologyTier 1Medical Sciences concept

Respiratory muscles of forced expiration vs quiet breathing

Core concept

  • Quiet expiration is passive - stored elastic recoil of lung + chest wall; no muscle work
  • Quiet inspiration is active - diaphragm ~70-75% of tidal volume, plus external intercostals, parasternal intercostals, scalenes (active even at rest)
  • Forced expiration is active - two groups
    • Abdominal wall (the principal expiratory muscles): rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis
      • inc intra-abdominal pressure -> pushes diaphragm cephalad
    • Internal intercostals (interosseous part) - pull ribs down and in
  • Accessory inspiratory (recruited in distress): sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, trapezius, pectoralis minor, alae nasi

3 more sections, plus exam facts

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