Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

Which term refers to the large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity and is vital for respiration?

1. Diet

2. Diarrhea

3. Diaphragm

4. Digestion

The correct answer is: Diaphragm

The term that refers to the large muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, essential for respiration, is the diaphragm. This dome-shaped muscle plays a crucial role in the respiratory process. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and allowing air to flow into the lungs. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air out of the lungs. Understanding the function of the diaphragm is fundamental in anatomy and physiology, especially concerning respiratory health. Other options, such as diet and digestion, pertain to nutrition and the breakdown of food, while diarrhea refers to a medical condition related to frequent loose bowel movements. These terms are important in their own contexts but do not relate to the muscle involved in respiration.