diaphragm contraction

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A process in which force is generated within involuntary skeletal muscle tissue, resulting in a change in muscle geometry. This process occurs in the diaphragm. Force generation involves a chemo-mechanical energy conversion step that is carried out by the actin/myosin complex activity, which generates force through ATP hydrolysis. The diaphragm is a striated muscle that is necessary for the process of respiratory gaseous exchange. [GOC:dph, GOC:mtg_muscle, PMID:12458206]

Diaphragm contraction is a complex process that involves the coordinated action of multiple muscle fibers, nerves, and biochemical signals. The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, plays a crucial role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and creating a negative pressure gradient that draws air into the lungs.

The process begins with signals from the brain that travel down the phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm. Upon receiving these signals, the muscle fibers within the diaphragm release calcium ions (Ca2+), which bind to troponin, a protein complex attached to the thin filaments of the sarcomere (the functional unit of muscle contraction). This binding triggers a conformational change in troponin, exposing binding sites on the thin filaments for myosin, a protein found in the thick filaments of the sarcomere.

Myosin heads, energized by ATP (adenosine triphosphate), bind to the exposed sites on the thin filaments and undergo a power stroke, pulling the thin filaments towards the center of the sarcomere. This sliding filament mechanism causes the muscle fibers to shorten and the diaphragm to flatten.

The diaphragm can contract rhythmically, allowing for continuous breathing. This rhythmic contraction is controlled by the respiratory center in the brainstem, which receives input from various sensory receptors in the body, including those that monitor blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

As the diaphragm relaxes, it returns to its dome-shaped position, decreasing the volume of the chest cavity and forcing air out of the lungs. The cycle repeats, allowing for continuous gas exchange.

Diaphragm contraction is essential for life and is critical for maintaining adequate oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide from the body. Any impairment to this process can lead to breathing difficulties and other health problems.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (41)