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The diaphragm: Anatomy and function

Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Key Takeaways The diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing. The diaphragm helps ...
Fatigue in the diaphragm may contribute to breathing issues in people with spinal muscular atrophy, a new study reports.
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle that is primarily responsible for breathing. Contraction of the diaphragm expands the lungs and draws air into them. The phrenic nerve ...
Diaphragmatic pacing is a treatment that improves breathing for people who rely on a mechanical ventilator. It stimulates the phrenic nerve, the nerve in your neck that sends signals to your diaphragm ...
You know breathing is always critical. Your body’s cells need oxygen to function, and you need to release carbon dioxide, a waste gas, through exhalation. When you run (or participate in any other ...
lungThe respiratory system represents one of the body’s most remarkable yet often overlooked systems, automatically adjusting to our needs whether we’re sleeping, walking, or exercising intensely.
Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a key role in breathing. These contractions cause the vocal cords to close ...
Your brain consumes about 20% of your body’s total oxygen supply, making it incredibly dependent on efficient breathing patterns for optimal function. Most people never think about how they breathe, ...