Question

What is the function of diaphragm?

Answer 1

Hint: Diaphragm, dome-shaped, strong, and membranous structure that divides the thoracic cavity (chest) and abdominal cavities in mammals; it is the main muscle of respiration. The diaphragm is crucial in elimination actions, for example: cough, sternutation (sneezing), vomiting, screaming, and ejecting feces, urine, and, in giving birth. Spasmodic inspiratory movement of the diaphragm generates the distinctive sound recognized as hiccupping.

Complete answer:
The diaphragm is a slim skeletal muscle that rests at the bottom of the chest and divides the abdomen from the chest. It contracts and flattens while inhaling. This generates a vacuum impact that pulls air inside the lungs. While exhaling, the diaphragm loosens and the air is forced out of lungs.
It also has a few non-respiratory functions as well. The diaphragm rises abdominal pressure to assist the body to get rid of vomit, urine, and feces. It also puts pressure on the esophagus to avoid acid reflux.
The phrenic nerve that goes from the neck to the diaphragm, regulates the passage of the diaphragm.
There are 3 huge openings in the diaphragm that permit specific structures to pass between the chest and the abdomen:
1. Esophageal opening: The esophagus and vagus nerve that regulates significantly most of the digestive system, go through this opening.
2. Aortic opening: Aorta, the human body’s major artery that carries blood from the heart, goes through the aortic opening.
3. Caval opening. The inferior vena cava, a huge vein that carries blood to the heart, goes through this opening.

Note:
The muscles of the diaphragm rise from the low down part of the sternum (breastbone), the lower six ribs, and the lumbar (loin) vertebrae of the spine are connected to a pivotal membranous tendon. Shrinkage of the diaphragm raises the internal height of the thoracic cavity, therefore reducing its inner pressure and triggering inspiration of air. Resting of the diaphragm and the natural flexibility of lung tissue and the thoracic enclosure generate expiration.