The main muscle we use to breathe is the diaphragm. This dome-shaped muscle sits below your lungs and separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and increases the volume of the chest cavity, drawing air into the lungs.
Other muscles that help with breathing include the intercostal muscles. These muscles are located between your ribs and assist in expanding and contracting the chest cavity during breathing.
During physical activity, accessory muscles such as the scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major and minor, serratus anterior and posterior, iliocostalis, and latissimus dorsi may also become involved in breathing. These muscles help to increase the capacity of your lungs and provide additional airflow.
Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, is a technique that emphasizes using the diaphragm for respiration. It can be beneficial for relaxation and stress management.
