Abstract
The diaphragm is the primary muscle involved in active inspiration and serves also as an important anatomical landmark that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavity. However, the diaphragm muscle like other structures and organs in the human body has more than one function, and displays many anatomic links throughout the body, thereby forming a 'network of breathing'. Besides respiratory function, it is important for postural control as it stabilises the lumbar spine during loading tasks. It also plays a vital role in the vascular and lymphatic systems, as well as, is greatly involved in gastroesophageal functions such as swallowing, vomiting, and contributing to the gastroesophageal reflux barrier. In this paper we set out in detail the anatomy and embryology of the diaphragm and attempt to show it serves as both: an important exchange point of information, originating in different areas of the body, and a source of information in itself. The study also discusses all of its functions related to breathing.
Highlights
The scientific interest in diaphragm dates back to the end of the 19th c., when Sewall and Pollard investigated the relationship of movement between the thoracic cavity and the diaphragm
The results showed that the diaphragm’s postural position is lower or similar to that of tidal breathing in 81% of the subjects, but the diaphragm range of movement (ROM) during both respiration and postural activities differ among individuals
The mammalian diaphragm has traditionally been studied as a respiratory muscle
Summary
The scientific interest in diaphragm dates back to the end of the 19th c., when Sewall and Pollard investigated the relationship of movement between the thoracic cavity and the diaphragm. After the early diaphragm is formed, the dorsal mesentery of the esophagus (third embryonic structure) fuses with the two previously mentioned structures (septum transversum and the pleuroperitoneal membranes) to form the median portion of the diaphragm, while the body wall tissue (fourth major component) splits into two layers as a result of the enlargement of the lungs and the pleural cavities.
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