What is "diaphragm"?

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs and separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity in the human body. It plays a vital role in respiration by contracting and relaxing to facilitate breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves downward, creating more space in the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to expand, filling with air. This is known as inhalation. When the diaphragm relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, causing the chest cavity to decrease in volume and air to be expelled from the lungs, which is known as exhalation. In addition to its role in respiration, the diaphragm also assists in other bodily functions such as coughing, sneezing, and maintaining proper posture.