Describe and explain the structure of diaphragm and intercostal muscles in Mammals
- The diaphragm and intercostal muscles create breathing movements which force air in and out of the lungs.
- When a human breathes in, the diaphragm pulls down and the intercostal muscles pull up and out. This increases the volume of the lungs and so air rushes in. When a human breathes out the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and forcing air out.Being able to increase the volume of the chest cavity means that optimum levels of gas exchange are able to happen.