Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Respiratory muscles and types of breathing
Types of breathing

There are Three types of Respiration: abdominal, or diaphragmatic; thoracic, or costal; and mixed. Mixed (full) respiration is defined as a type in which thoracic breathing is combined with abdominal breathing. Certain conditions (such as gastrointestinal distension, abdominal diseases, late Pregnancy, etc.) can alter the breathing pattern. The Mechanism of respiration may also change with shifts in body position.

Athletes and individuals engaged in regular physical training most frequently exhibit mixed respiration.

The notion that Different types of respiration are characteristic of men and women has been questioned by many authors, who believe that no innate sex-related respiratory differences exist. The only difference between the Movements of the Ribs in men and women lies in the amplitude of the movement arc.

Key Latin terms

Diaphragm (thoracoabdominal partition) — diaphragma (thoracoabdominale, m. phrenicus)

Sternal part of the diaphragm — pars sternalis diaphragmatis

Costal part of the diaphragm — pars costalis diaphragmatis

Lumbar part of the diaphragm — pars lumbalis diaphragmatis

Right crus — crus dextrum

Left crus — crus sinistrum

Central tendon — centrum tendineum

Aortic hiatus — hiatus aorticus

Esophageal hiatus — hiatus oesophageus

Vena caval opening — foramen venae cavae



Last update: 08/08/2026

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