Question

When the diaphragm contracts, the size of the thoracic cavity ________, the pressure inside the thoracic cavity ________, and air flows ________ the lungs. decreases; drops; out of decreases; rises; into increases; drops; into increases; drops; out of

Answer 1

Answer:

decreases; rises; out of

Explanation:

When the diaphragm contracts, the size of the thoracic cavity decreases, the pressure inside the thoracic cavity increases, and air flows out of the lungs.

During the process of breathing out, the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles relax and this leads to a decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity. Since there is an inverse relationship between volume and pressure, the decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity leads to an increase in its pressure. Consequently, the lung contracts and air is forced to leave it.