Speech Science Exam 2 Practice

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that is crucial for respiration, and its structure includes muscle fibers that attach to the central tendon, which serves as an anchoring point. The diaphragm muscle fibers are arranged in a way that allows them to contract and flatten during inhalation, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and drawing air into the lungs. This unique connection to the central tendon is essential for the diaphragm's function in breathing, facilitating efficient airflow. The other muscles mentioned, such as abdominal, accessory, and intercostal muscles, do have roles in respiration but do not have direct attachments to the central tendon of the diaphragm. Thus, the diaphragm muscle fibers are the correct answer as they are the only fibers that interact directly with the central tendon, enabling the diaphragm's primary function in inhalation and exhalation.