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What is Ventilation? – Video
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Video at a Glance
- The major muscles involved in ventilation are the external intercostals, internal intercostals, and the diaphragm.
- The external intercostals connect the ribs, assist with inspiration, and are considered a primary ventilation muscle.
- The internal intercostals that run along the inside of the ribs only take part in ventilation during forced exhalation and are not considered a primary ventilation muscle.
- The diaphragm is at the bottom of the chest and is considered the most important breathing muscle.
- The diaphragm contracts when one breathes in, increasing the area in the chest and the ventilatory volume.
- The external intercostals contract and expand the chest wall outwards, further increasing ventilatory volume.
- Exhalation is completely passive, the diaphragm relaxes, and no muscles are involved.
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