Anatomy
diaphragm Audio
di·a·phragm [ dahy-uh-fram ]
Subclass of:
Respiratory Muscles
Etymology:
Greek diaphragma = a wall or partition; from dia = across + phragma = a wall
Definitions related to respiratory diaphragm:
  • (diaphragm) A musculotendinous sheet separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.
    CDISC Terminology
    Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
  • (diaphragm) Fibromuscular tissue that separates the thoracic from the abdominal cavity. It increases the volume of the thoracic cavity through contractions, thus facilitating respiration.
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (diaphragm) Musculofibrous partition that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity; contraction of the diaphragm increases the volume of the thoracic cavity aiding inspiration.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • (diaphragm) The dome-shaped sheet of muscle at the base of the lungs that helps move air in and out of the lungs.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • (diaphragm) The musculofibrous partition that separates the THORACIC CAVITY from the ABDOMINAL CAVITY. Contraction of the diaphragm increases the volume of the thoracic cavity aiding INHALATION.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • (diaphragm) The thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The diaphragm is a birth control (contraceptive) device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm is a small, reusable rubber or silicone cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix. Before sex, the diaphragm is inserted deep into the vagina so that part of the rim fits snugly behind the pubic bone. The diaphragm is...
    Mayo Clinic
    Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
  • Diaphragm, dome-shaped, muscular and membranous structure that separates the thoracic (chest) and abdominal cavities in mammals; it is the principal muscle of respiration. The muscles of the diaphragm arise from the lower part of the sternum (breastbone), the lower six ribs, and the lumbar (loin)...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.