What is the diaphragm?

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the thoracic cavity and plays a crucial role in the respiratory system. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity. This action creates a negative pressure that allows air to be drawn into the lungs, facilitating the process of inhalation. Upon relaxation, the diaphragm returns to its dome shape, pushing air out of the lungs during exhalation. This function is essential for effective breathing and is also involved in other processes that require abdominal pressure changes, like coughing and certain movements in digestion, although its primary role is respiratory. Understanding the diaphragm's function is vital for individuals involved in dental anesthesia as it can impact patient management during procedures requiring sedation, where respiratory function must be monitored carefully.