A dome-shaped sheet of muscle separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities and serving as the main muscle of breathing.
Structure
The diaphragm is a thin, double-domed muscle with a central tendon. It attaches to the xiphoid process of the sternum, the lower six ribs, and the upper lumbar vertebrae via the crura.
Function
On inhalation the diaphragm contracts and descends, lowering pressure inside the thoracic cavity so air flows into the lungs. On exhalation it relaxes and rises, helping push air out.
Openings
Three major openings carry structures between the chest and abdomen: the aortic hiatus for the aorta, the esophageal hiatus for the esophagus, and the caval opening for the inferior vena cava.
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Diaphragm starts with D and ends with M. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
Body Parts that contain a letter from "Diaphragm":