During inhalation, what happens to the diaphragm?

During inhalation, the diaphragm plays a crucial role in the process of breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downwards, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity. This expansion creates a negative pressure within the cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs. This process is vital for bringing oxygen into the body.

The movement of the diaphragm is essential for effective inhalation because it causes a decrease in pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure outside the body, thus allowing air to rush into the lungs to fill that space. This contraction and downward movement of the diaphragm is a key part of the respiratory process that facilitates oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.