Muscles / Core
Diaphragm
- Core
- Thorax & breathing
- Deep layer
Anatomy
- Origin
- Sternal part: xiphoid process; costal part: inner surfaces of the lower six costal cartilages and ribs; lumbar part: medial and lateral arcuate ligaments and crura from the bodies of L1-L3
- Insertion
- Central tendon
- Nerve
- Phrenic nerve (C3-C5)
Actions
- Primary muscle of inspiration: descends to increase the vertical dimension of the thorax
- Assists raising intra-abdominal pressure (with the abdominal wall and pelvic floor)
Notes
- "C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive": high cervical spinal cord injury may require ventilatory support.
- Inspiratory muscle training improves inspiratory strength and exercise capacity in COPD.
References (5)
- Gosselink R, De Vos J, van den Heuvel SP, Segers J, Decramer M, Kwakkel G. Eur Respir J. 2011;37(2):416-425. Impact of inspiratory muscle training in patients with COPD: what is the evidence?
- Standring S, ed. Elsevier. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Betts JG, Young KA, Wise JA, et al. OpenStax (free, openly licensed textbook). Anatomy and Physiology 2e