Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a thin, muscular, and fibrous sheet located below the lungs. It is connected to the ventral surface of the lumbar vertebrae, and to the medial surfaces of the ribs, costal cartilage, and xiphoid process (collectively, the interior of the chest cavity). It divides the trunk of the body into thoracic and abdominal regions. The diaphragm is important in respiration. Contraction of the diaphragm, along with other muscles, causes the lungs to expand, permitting inhalation. Relaxation of the diaphragm causes the lungs to compress, permitting exhalation.
References
Gray, H. 1977. Gray's Anatomy. Crown Publishers, Inc, New York. 1257 pp.
Lockhart, R.D., G.F. Hamilton, et. al. 1974. Anatomy of The Human Body. Faber and Faber Limited. London. 697 pp.
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