Technical
Tuesday Diaphragm
The word “diaphragm”
comes from the Greek diáphragma that means partition. The thoracic diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle that acts
as the main player in respiration. It separates the chest (thorax) from the
abdomen. The diaphragm can be more specifically described as follows :
“Structurally, the diaphragm consists of two
parts: the peripheral muscle and central tendon. The peripheral muscle is made
up of many radial muscle fibers – originating on the ribs, sternum, and spine –
that converge on the central tendon. The central tendon – a flat aponeurosis
made of dense collagen fibers – acts as the tough insertion point of the
muscles. When air is drawn into the lungs, the muscles in the diaphragm
contract, and pull the central tendon inferiorly into the abdominal cavity.
This enlarges the thorax and allows air to inflate the lungs.” http://www.innerbody.com/image/musc06.html
Most people
become familiar with this muscle (whether they know it or not) when they have
hiccups. This is when the diaphragm contracts involuntarily due to certain
irritations like eating or drinking too fast.
Dancers can
use this muscle for a good cause: the sensation of pressing the diaphragm down can reduce or eliminate “butterflies”
before and/or during a performance.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Anatomical Secret #26kk:
“The diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.”
Link of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“Breath is
the finest gift of nature. Be grateful for this wonderful gift.”
― Amit Ray, Beautify your Breath - Beautify your Life
― Amit Ray, Beautify your Breath - Beautify your Life
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