Diaphragm muscle fiber

The **diaphragm** is a dome-shaped sheet of skeletal muscle and tendon that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. It is the principal muscle responsible for inspiration in mammals. The peripheral muscular fibers originate from the xiphoid process, lower six ribs and costal cartilages, and lumbar vertebrae via crura; these fibers converge on a central tendon[1][2][3][4]. The diaphragm contracts during inhalation to increase thoracic volume and decrease intrathoracic pressure, allowing air to enter the lungs[2][3]. It is innervated primarily by the phrenic nerves (C3–C5)[3]. While essential for respiration and involved in certain disease states when dysfunctional, "diaphragm muscle fiber" refers to a structural component rather than a discrete molecular target such as an enzyme or receptor. Therefore, it is not considered a therapeutic target in drug discovery terms. **Note:** "Diaphragm muscle fibers" does not refer to a specific molecule or receptor but rather describes anatomical components (skeletal myofibers) within an organ system. This entry should be flagged as incorrect if searching for canonical drug targets like receptors or enzymes.

Other names

DiaphragmThoracic diaphragmRespiratory diaphragmMuscular part of the diaphragm