The external intercostal muscles are used for ______. Aboth inhalation and exhalation Bpulling the ribs up and outward to inhale Cpulling the ribs up and outward to exhale in heavy breathing Dexhalation during both resting and heavy breathing

Answered: The external intercostal muscles are…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

See similar textbooks

Related questions

Question

The external intercostal muscles are used for ______.

	A	both inhalation and exhalation
	B	pulling the ribs up and outward to inhale
	C	pulling the ribs up and outward to exhale in heavy breathing
	D	exhalation during both resting and heavy breathing

Expert Solution

Step 1

Respiration is the process of intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiration is of two types:

External respiration which involves exchange of respiratory gases between lungs and blood.
Internal respiration which involves exchange of gases between blood and tissues.

Step 2

There are two muscles that are involved in respiration:

Inspiratory muscles
Expiratory muscles

Inspiratory muscle are involved in the inspiration process. Primary inspiratory muscles are external intercostal muscles and muscles of diaphragm. During inspiration, our chest cavity is pulled forward and upwards.

Expiratory muscles are involved in expiration process. Primary expiratory muscles are internal intercostal muscles. During expiration, our chest cavity is pulled downwards.

Thus, external intercostal are involved in inhaling the air inside the body.