Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging of Mouse Diaphragm Function
07:12

Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging of Mouse Diaphragm Function

Published on: April 21, 2014

Diaphragm dimensions of the healthy term infant

V K Rehan1, F D McCool

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, RI, USA. vrehan@gcrc.rei.edu

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

In healthy infants, diaphragm thickness scales with body size, but maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure remains constant and is higher than in adults. This suggests perinatal diaphragm strengthening may aid infant breathing.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Respiratory mechanics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Human neonatal diaphragm development is understudied.
  • Previous research in older subjects indicates diaphragm thickness (t(di)) scales with body size, maintaining constant maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (P(dimax)).
  • This relationship has not been established in healthy term infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between diaphragm thickness (t(di)), body dimensions, and calculated maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (P(dimax)) in healthy term infants.
  • To test the hypothesis that t(di) correlates with body size and P(dimax) is independent of body weight and length in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrasound measurement of t(di) at the zone of apposition in 15 healthy term infants.
  • Measurement of anthropometric dimensions including rib cage dimensions.
  • Calculation of P(dimax) using the piston-in-cylinder model.

Main Results:

  • Significant positive correlations were observed between t(di) and body weight (BW), body length (BL), and head circumference (HC).
  • Diaphragm thickness increased with larger body size and larger lower rib cage cross-sectional areas (A(ZAP)).
  • Calculated P(dimax) was independent of BW and BL, and was higher than adult values.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal diaphragm mass is proportional to body size in healthy term infants.
  • Calculated P(dimax) is independent of body size and exceeds adult levels.
  • Potential perinatal diaphragm strengthening may help infants manage the high respiratory loads during pulmonary transition.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring Diaphragm Thickness and Function Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound05:51

Measuring Diaphragm Thickness and Function Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Published on: November 3, 2023

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation05:51

Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: January 31, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Muscles of the Thorax01:25

Muscles of the Thorax

The thorax muscles are central to the body's respiration and provide essential support and movement for the upper body. They are intricately designed to facilitate the complex breathing process while also contributing to the structural integrity and mobility of the chest and upper limbs.
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It originates...
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity01:24

Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity

Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation01:24

Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation

Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...