Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped sheet of skeletal muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavities in mammals. Its contraction enlarges the chest cavity and draws air into the lungs.

Inhalation: The phase of breathing in which air enters the lungs. Diaphragm contraction expands the chest cavity and initiates this phase.
Skeletal muscle: Voluntary, striated muscle tissue attached to bones or other structures and controlled by motor neurons. The diaphragm is skeletal muscle, despite working automatically during ordinary breathing.
Diaphragmatic paralysis: Loss of movement in one or both sides of the diaphragm due to impaired nerve or muscle function. It directly weakens the muscle's contribution to ventilation.
Intercostal muscles: Muscles between the ribs that move the rib cage during breathing. They expand and stabilize the chest alongside diaphragm movement.
Thoracic cavity: The body cavity enclosed by the ribs and diaphragm, containing the lungs and heart. The diaphragm forms its floor and changes its volume during breathing.
Central tendon of the diaphragm: The fibrous, noncontractile center into which the diaphragm's muscle fibers insert. Its upward movement transmits the pull of contracting muscle fibers.
Diaphragmatic hernia: A defect in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity. A structural opening can displace organs and impair lung development or function.
Abdominal muscles: Muscles of the abdominal wall that support the trunk and alter abdominal pressure. They oppose or assist diaphragm movement during forceful breathing and coughing.
Intra-abdominal pressure: The pressure within the abdominal cavity, influenced by the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and pelvic floor. When the diaphragm descends, it compresses abdominal contents and raises this pressure.
Diaphragmatic crura: Paired muscle extensions of the diaphragm that attach to the lumbar vertebrae. They anchor the diaphragm to the spine and help form the esophageal opening.

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