Major Muscles Essay

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Pages: 3

The major muscles typically involved in respiration are our diaphragm, external intercostal and internal intercostal muscles. The diaphragm action is to flatten the thoracic cavity. When the diaphragm contracts, it pulls the ribs downward and this increases the internal dimensions and volume of the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm is located above the abdominal cavity and below the ribs and costal cartilages. It reduces our pressure inside our pleural cavities, this is so that air can rush into them and allow us to inhale and breathe properly.
The external intercostal muscles assist the diaphragm in inspiration by helping to raise and spread the ribs. Like the diaphragm, they increase the volume inside the thoracic cavity. Located at the lower
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Our muscles provide the force and strength to move the body. Coordination is directed by the brain but is also affected by changes in the muscles and joints. Changes in the muscles, joints, and bones affect our posture and walk, and lead to weakness and slowed movement.
Muscles take longer to respond to brain signals as we get older. As a normal course of aging, you begin to lose the muscle fibers that are responsible for making you move quickly. This is why an 88 year old may say “Hey! I can’t get around like I used to.” The speed of transmission of impulses from the brain to the muscles also slows down, so it takes longer to get the signal. Your muscles also can't repair themselves as quickly as they used to, which is due to a decrease in enzyme activities and protein turnover.
For someone experiencing weakness and deterioration in muscle tissue, I would recommend lots of stretching and moderate daily exercise. I would also recommend a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Exercise is one of the best ways to slow or prevent issues with our muscles, joints, and bones. A moderate exercise program can help maintain muscle memory, strength, balance, and over all flexibility in our body. Developing healthy eating habits is essential to maintaining a strong alert body. It is a step in the right direction to feeling like we used