What respiratory phase is associated with diaphragm relaxation?

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The phase of respiration associated with diaphragm relaxation is expiration. During expiration, the diaphragm, which is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the thoracic cavity, relaxes and moves upward. This action reduces the volume of the thoracic cavity, which in turn increases the pressure within the lungs relative to atmospheric pressure. Consequently, air is pushed out of the lungs and expelled from the body.

In contrast, during inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, creating a vacuum that allows air to enter the lungs. Forced inhalation involves additional muscle engagement to draw in more air, while active expiration typically engages abdominal and internal intercostal muscles to forcefully expel air, further emphasizing the role of muscle contraction in these processes rather than relaxation. Thus, recognizing the distinct function of the diaphragm during expiration clarifies why this phase is correctly identified with its relaxation.

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