Breathing is one of the most important processes in the human body. It is handled by the lungs, but in order for it to run optimally, the function of the respiratory muscles is important. Complaints can cause limitations.
What is the respiratory musculature?
Respiratory muscles include several muscles located in the region of the chest. In general, they help the chest to narrow and widen. In this way, the foundations of functioning breathing are laid. The diaphragm is considered to be particularly relevant for the process of inhaling or exhaling. Furthermore, muscle fibers of the respiratory musculature can be found in the abdomen, back and chest. There are differences in the explicit use of the different muscles, depending on the breathing technique used. Basically, a distinction is made between abdominal and thoracic breathing. Inhalation can be understood more as an active process, while exhalation is passive. If the respiratory musculature is disturbed, more severe consequences may occur under certain circumstances. These result primarily from inadequate oxygen supply to the body. The respiratory muscles can be controlled voluntarily, but most of the time they are regulated by impulses from the brain.
Anatomy and structure
At the center of the respiratory musculature is the diaphragm in particular. This is less of a classic muscle and more of a specific plate composed of muscle fibers and tendons. The diaphragm in the human body measures about 3 to 5 millimeters in thickness. It represents a kind of partition between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The diaphragm is also called the engine of abdominal and thoracic breathing. The name results primarily from the power of the diaphragm. Overall, the tissue manages to muster about 60 to 80 percent of the muscular effort needed for inhalation. The diaphragm thus belongs to the inspiratory respiratory musculature. A further distinction is made between the expiratory musculature and the helping muscular strands during inhalation and exhalation. During inhalation, the auxiliary respiratory musculature supports the process, most of which is located in the bony area of the thorax. The muscle fibers come into play primarily when respiratory activity increases during exercise. The intercostal muscles, the thoracic muscle as well as the subcostal muscle are counted as expiratory muscles. Muscles in the abdomen and back help with exhalation.
Function and tasks
The function of the respiratory muscles is to allow the process of inhalation and exhalation to occur in the first place. This allows oxygen to enter the lungs at regular intervals, resulting in gas exchange. The fresh oxygen is eventually transported to the individual cells via the blood cells. The process itself begins with a shortening of the diaphragm by up to 35 percent. The normally bulging position of the tendon-muscle plate now exhibits flattening. In cooperation with the other structures, this results in an enlarged chest cavity. At the same time, there is negative pressure in the region of the pleural space, which is located between the lung and pleura. In this way, the lungs expand and the organ is flooded with air. Thus, during inhalation, the respiratory muscles are in an active state, in that muscle contractions can be observed. Exhalation usually takes place on the basis of passive processes. The tense musculature relaxes, creating an airflow that is directed outward. In this way, the air passes out of the body. Active involvement of the respiratory muscles during lung emptying usually occurs only when a patient suffers from certain diseases. The respiratory musculature thus ensures that the chest constricts and expands as part of various processes. It thus provides the basis for filling and emptying the lungs. Without the respiratory muscles, the process of inhaling and exhaling would not be possible. Thus, the structures represent an important element in the human body.
Diseases
As with all structures in the human body, the respiratory muscles can be afflicted by various diseases and cause discomfort. Because impaired breathing usually always causes symptoms, it is important for affected individuals to see a doctor early to seek treatment.For example, the occurrence of muscle weakness or paralysis in the area of the respiratory muscles is possible. Such symptoms are caused, among other things, by poliomyelitis. In Germany, the pathogen has been successfully controlled in most regions by vaccination. In addition to paralysis, muscle atrophy is sometimes diagnosed as part of the disease. Furthermore, hyperthyroidism, regular excessive alcohol consumption or some medications are possible causes of similar phenomena. For treatment, additional ventilation is often recommended initially to ensure gas exchange. In addition, diaphragmatic paralysis cannot be ruled out. This is usually only noticeable on one side. It can be congenital or occur later in life due to a tumor or a viral disease. Affected persons suffer primarily from shortness of breath. If the symptoms do not resolve on their own, surgery, for example, can provide relief. Pain when breathing can often be traced back to tension in the muscles. The first signs of insufficient oxygen supply are fatigue, muscle weakness, discoloration of the skin and impaired consciousness. As soon as a symptom is noticed that can be traced to the respiratory muscles, a physician should be consulted to prevent further discomfort.
