Muscles of respiration

Muscles of respiration
Muscles of the body's respiration
Identifiers
MeSH	D012132
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

The muscles of respiration are the muscles that contribute to inhalation and exhalation, by aiding in the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm and, to a lesser extent, the intercostal muscles drive respiration during quiet breathing. The elasticity of these muscles is crucial to the health of the respiratory system and to maximize its functional capabilities.