Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test Related

Review Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test related questions and content

Which muscle is responsible for breathing?

  • A. Diaphragm
  • B. Intercostal muscles
  • C. Rectus abdominis
  • D. Pectoralis major
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The diaphragm is the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity. When it contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing inhalation. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and causing exhalation. The intercostal muscles, located between the ribs, assist the diaphragm in breathing by expanding and contracting the chest cavity. The rectus abdominis and pectoralis major are not directly involved in the process of breathing.