Q.

Select the correct events that occur during inspiration.          [2020]

(1) Contraction of diaphragm
(2) Contraction of external inter-costal muscles
(3) Pulmonary volume decreases
(4) Intra pulmonary pressure increases

1 (1) and (2)  
2 (3) and (4)  
3 (1), (2) and (4)  
4 only (4)  

Ans.

(1)

Inspiration is initiated by the contraction of diaphragm that increases the volume of thoracic chamber in the antero-posterior axis. The contraction of external intercostal muscles lifts up the ribs and the sternum causing an increase in the volume of the thoracic chamber in the dorso-ventral axis. The overall increase in the thoracic volume causes a similar increase in pulmonary volume. An increase in pulmonary volume decreases the intra-pulmonary pressure to less than the atmospheric pressure which forces the air from outside to move into the lungs.