Which respiratory-associated muscles would contract if you were to blow up a balloon?
A) External intercostals would contract, and the diaphragm would relax.
B) Diaphragm would contract; external intercostals would relax.
C) Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles would contract.
D) None of the listed responses is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blowing up a balloon requires the expelling of air out of the lungs, which is an active process. The internal intercostals and abdominal muscles are involved in forced expiration, which is what occurs when blowing up a balloon. The external intercostals and diaphragm are involved in inhalation. Therefore, option C is correct.

Which Respiratory-Associated Muscles Would Contract If You Were to Blow