Diaphragm muscle

The **diaphragm** is a large, dome-shaped skeletal muscle located below the lungs that serves as the primary muscle of respiration. It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and contracts rhythmically to facilitate breathing. When it contracts, it flattens and moves downward, increasing thoracic volume and decreasing intrathoracic pressure to draw air into the lungs. Upon relaxation, it returns to its domed shape, reducing chest volume and expelling air[2][4][5]. The diaphragm is innervated mainly by the phrenic nerves (C3–C5), with additional sensory input from lower intercostal nerves[2]. It also plays roles in increasing intra-abdominal pressure for excretion functions and helps prevent acid reflux by exerting pressure on the esophagus[5]. **Note:** "Diaphragm muscle strengthening/stimulation" is not a molecular target or receptor but rather refers to interventions aimed at improving or activating this skeletal muscle's function. Therefore, this entry does not correspond to a canonical therapeutic target such as an enzyme or receptor; instead, it describes an anatomical structure whose function can be modulated through physical therapy or electrical stimulation but not directly targeted by drugs in a molecular sense[1][2][4][5].

Other names

DiaphragmRespiratory diaphragmMain inspiratory muscle