How does the thoracic diaphragm work?

Answer by  cindy (1484)

The thoracic diaphragm is a muscle. It is innervated by three cervical nerves that combined form the phrenic nerve. When you inhale, the diaphragm moves down, to expand the chest. When you exhale, the diaphragm moves up to increase pressure in the thoracic cavity to expel the air in the lungs.

Answer by  PAtobeDU12 (239)

It is a disc-shaped muscle located between the chest and abdomen. Upon inspiration the diaphragm contracts, flattening out. By contracting it increases the volume inside the thorax, decreasing pressure in the thorax. When there is less pressure inside the thorax than in the outside air, air enters the lungs. When the diaphragm relaxes, expiration occurs and air exits the thorax.

Answer by  helol25 (680)

There is a cavity and it is connected to your lungs. It contracts and expands to let in and out air.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well, basically the function of the thoracic diaphragm is breathing. It works by enlarging over the rib cage when you breathe in, and then releasing the pressure so that the diaphragm is reduced in size while your breathe out. It is a muscle that enlarges and compresses accordingly while your breathe.