Question

What causes exhalation?

Answer 1

This happens due to elastic properties of the lungs, as well as the internal intercostal muscles which lower the rib cage and decrease thoracic volume. As the thoracic diaphragm relaxes during exhalation it causes the tissue it has depressed to rise superiorly and put pressure on the lungs to expel the air.

Answer 2

Exhalation occurs as a result of relaxing the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Breathing is a fundamental process for the survival of our organism. It is through this process that we are able to capture oxygen, an important element that breathes all cells in the body. It is also through it that we are able to expel carbon dioxide from the lungs.

In order for pulmonary breathing to occur, two movements are necessary: inhalation and exhalation. These movements, which are achieved with the contraction and relaxation of muscles, provide the right conditions for air to enter and be expelled through the lungs.

Upon exhalation, our body sends out the air present in the lungs, a fundamental process to guarantee the removal of carbon dioxide in our body. In the process of exhalation, there is a reverse process of inspiration: the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax. With this, the rib cage decreases its volume, which causes the lungs to contract and the intrapulmonary pressure to increase. As pressure increases, air is forced out.