Functional anatomy of the respiratory muscles.
To keep arterial blood gases within acceptable limits, air must be moved rhythmically in and out of the lungs. Such a displacement is accomplished through the expansion/deflation of the chest wall, which results normally from the action of a number of skeletal muscles. To understand how this vital pump works, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the anatomy and the function of these muscles.
De Troyer
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A
Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Estenne
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M
D006801:Humans; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D012119:Respiration; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology