Final answer:
Contraction of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm causes the thoracic cavity to expand the chest wall and decreases air pressure in the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contraction of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm causes the thoracic cavity to expand the chest wall outward and decreases air pressure in the lungs. This expansion of the thoracic cavity and decrease in pressure allows air to be drawn into the airways.