Final answer:
The sucking of the skin around bones during inhalation when someone is in respiratory distress is caused by the lateral movement of the cheeks. This process helps increase oxygen intake and is important for proper respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sucking of the skin around bones during inhalation when someone is in respiratory distress is caused by the lateral movement of the cheeks.
This action is similar to sucking on a straw or compressing air in the mouth while blowing. During inhalation, the thoracic cavity expands, creating negative pressure in the lungs, which causes air to diffuse into the lungs. This process helps increase oxygen intake and is important for proper respiration.