Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a muscle that helps a person breathe in and out comfortably. This is also a muscle that provides separation of the chest from the abdomen. The function of the diaphragm is to increase vertical dimension of the chest cavity and also increase abdominal pressure. As a person breathes in, the lungs expand and the diaphragm contracts. As a person breathes out, the diaphragm and other muscles relax. In order for the muscle to work properly, the phrenic nerve must be in tact. The normal breathing rate is 10 to 14 breaths per minute. If a person has been exercising or performing any other strenuous activity, the diaphragm is more likely to become fatigued and help push out a greater amount of air.
The diaphragm is important because it is a muscle that helps control breathing. It is a muscle that cannot be strengthened by any form of exercise. This muscle is dome shaped and consists of muscular fibers. Its strength comes from being a vital muscle to the inhalation and exhalation of the air we breathe. It is important to remember that the diaphragm is relaxed when a person exhales. Therefore, it is only a controlling mechanism for the breathing system.
There are a number of ways in which the diaphragm can become damaged. One of the most typical ways that a person would experience problems is developing a diaphragmatic hernia. This is a birth defect that develops within the mother's womb before the baby is born. This allows the organs from the abdomen to move up into the chest cavity, allowing fewer air sacs and more lung abnormalities. The baby is usually placed in neonatal intensive care for treatment, and surgery is performed to repair the hernia.
There are other instances, however, that develop later in life that can cause trauma to the diaphragm. Lung disease is a risk factor for both the chest cavity as well as the diaphragm. The lungs or lung cavity become inflamed or immersed in fluid, which in turn creates difficulty breathing. The diaphragm becomes congested and is unable to assist in normal breathing functions. Different types of lung cancer cells can end up invading surrounding organs and muscles, and the diaphragm is just as susceptible to the risk. The doctor controlling medications and treatments for the cancer must keep a close watch on the function of the diaphragm because of its vital role in the breathing process.
