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Diaphragm — Anatomy Notes, Diagram & Quiz
The Diaphragm is located in the between thorax and abdomen. Primary muscle of respiration. The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Key facts
| Location | Between thorax and abdomen |
|---|---|
| Main function | Primary muscle of respiration. |
| Layer | organs |
| Key fact 1 | The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. |
| Key fact 2 | The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs. |
| Key fact 3 | The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5. |
Where is the Diaphragm located?
The Diaphragm is located in the between thorax and abdomen.
The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
What does the Diaphragm do?
Primary muscle of respiration.
The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs.
What to know for exams
- The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
- The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs.
- The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5.
It belongs to the organs layer. Learn its location, relations, and the structures it works with.
Clinical relevance
The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5.
Link the diaphragm to its blood supply, innervation and relations. That is how exam questions usually test it.
Memory aid: Diaphragm
The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs. The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5.
Chain it as location → function → clinical link when you revise.
Diaphragm anatomy quiz
Five questions. Open each answer after you commit to a response.
-
Where is the Diaphragm located?
Reveal answer
Between thorax and abdomen
-
What is the main function of the Diaphragm?
Reveal answer
Primary muscle of respiration.
-
Give one key fact about the Diaphragm.
Reveal answer
The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
-
Give another key fact about the Diaphragm.
Reveal answer
The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs.
-
What clinical link is associated with the Diaphragm?
Reveal answer
The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5.
Common questions
Where is the Diaphragm located?
The Diaphragm is located in the between thorax and abdomen. The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
What does the Diaphragm do?
Primary muscle of respiration. The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs.
What is a key fact about the Diaphragm?
The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5.
What layer does the Diaphragm belong to?
It belongs to the organs layer of the body.
What should I remember for exams?
The Diaphragm is a dome-shaped skeletal muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The Diaphragm contracts during inspiration, flattening to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs. The Diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which arises from cervical spinal levels C3-C5.
Sources
- Standring, S. (ed.). Gray’s Anatomy, 42nd edition. Elsevier, 2020.
- TeachMeAnatomy — anatomy library
- Kenhub — anatomy library
- StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf — Diaphragm search
3D atlas and image credits
Anatomy models: BodyParts3D, © Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), CC BY-SA 2.1 Japan. Écorché by Charleeh, derived from BodyParts3D and Z-Anatomy, CC BY-SA 4.0. Rendered in anotemy. Changes: highlighting, framing, labels and background removal. Images: CC BY-SA 4.0.
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