Chapter 21, Problem 3CYU

Summary Introduction

To review:

The impact on tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, when phrenic nerves are cut off. Also, to identify the muscles that contract to compensate for the loss of phrenic nerves.

Introduction:

Phrenic nerves are nerves that connect the neck to the diaphragm. The nerves are termed as C3 and C5 nerves and they originate in the neck. They connect the heart and the lungs, and then reach out to the diaphragm. These nerves allow sensory information inside them.

Tidal volume refers to the volume of air a lung contains in normal situations. It represents the air contained in the lungs between every inhalation and exhalation. Inspiratory reserve volume can be referred to as the volume of additional air that can be contained in the lungs when required.