The breathing process is primarily controlled by:
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The diaphragm: This muscle plays a crucial role in inhalation by contracting and allowing the lungs to expand.
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Rib muscles: The intercostal muscles between the ribs also assist in the breathing process by helping to expand and contract the thoracic cavity.
While the pharynx is involved in the process of breathing (as it is a passageway for air), it does not directly control the breathing process. Blood vessels do play a role in regulating blood gases and can influence breathing indirectly through chemoreceptors, but they are not directly involved in the muscular control of breathing.
So the correct answers are:
- The diaphragm
- Rib muscles
1 answer