DIAPHRAGM
Description:
Located at the bottom of the rib cage as a skeletal muscle, it contracts when you breathe in, flattening the muscles to pull air into the lungs. On the contrary, when we breathe out, the diaphragm relaxes and pushes air out. It is controlled by the phrenic nerve. The process of inspiration and respiration are controlled involuntarily by this muscle.
Diseases and Conditions
Diaphragmatic paralysis
A lesion from the phrenic nerve causes the diaphragm to move in the wrong direction during breathing, called paradoxical movement. If this occurs on both sides of the diaphragm, one may have fatigue and it will require ventilation.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
An organ bulges through an opening in the diaphragm. When it is a birth defect, it is congenital, but if caused by an accident, it is acquired. It results in difficulty breathing and requires surgery.
Diaphragmatic spasm
Also called a cramp, the diaphragm does not relax after exhaling, tightening the diaphragm and makes it difficult to inhale since the lungs are already inflated.