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Updated: Jan 23, 2026
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Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
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Muscles of Breathing: Development, Function, and Patterns of Activation
Jason Q Pilarski1, James C Leiter2, Ralph F Fregosi3
1Department of Biological and Dental Sciences, Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho, USA.
Comprehensive Physiology
|June 13, 2019
Summary
This review details all muscles aiding lung inflation and deflation, emphasizing their complex coordination with non-respiratory activities. Understanding respiratory muscle function is crucial for clinical applications, especially in sleep medicine.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Breathing involves numerous muscles beyond the diaphragm.
- Human evolution and upright posture uniquely influence respiratory muscle patterns.
- The distinction between respiratory and non-respiratory muscles is often artificial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively describe all muscles involved in lung inflation and deflation.
- To detail the developmental origin, anatomy, mechanical action, innervation, and activation patterns of respiratory muscles.
- To discuss the circumstances under which these muscles assist ventilation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of respiratory muscle function.
- Analysis of anatomical, physiological, and evolutionary data.
- Examination of muscle coordination during various activities, including sleep and speech.
Main Results:
- A large number of muscles contribute to breathing, with significant upper airway involvement.
- Human bipedalism and speech capacity have shaped distinct respiratory muscle activation patterns.
- Many non-respiratory muscles can augment breathing under increased demand.
Conclusions:
- Understanding respiratory muscle ontogeny, innervation, and activation is clinically relevant, particularly for sleep medicine.
- The nervous system's control over respiratory muscles is complex and warrants further investigation.
- Respiratory and non-respiratory muscle functions are highly integrated.
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