Translations:Rippenwirbelgelenke und Thoraxbewegungen/17/en

For inhalation (inspiration), the thoracic volume is increased. This is possible by contraction of the diaphragm (costodiaphragmal breathing or abdominal breathing) and lifting of the ribs (sternocostal breathing or rib breathing) under the influence of the intercostal muscles. The ribs are very mobile via the cartilage. To increase the diameter of the thorax, the ribs rotate outwards around their longitudinal axis. Due to the larger volume, the lung can now expand by following the movements of the thorax. The capillary forces in the pleural gap make this possible. The air flows into the respiratory tract and compensates for the resulting negative pressure.