Question

Why in women ribs play a major role in respiration whereas in men diaphragm play a major role. What is the difference

Answer 1

The volume of adult female lungs is typically 10-12% smaller than that of males who have the same height and age. At all lung volumes examined, females had smaller radial rib cage dimensions in relationship to height than males, a greater inclination of ribs, a comparable diaphragm dome position relative to the spine, and a shorter diaphragm length. Female subjects exhibited a greater inspiratory rib cage muscle contribution during resting breathing than males, presumably reflecting an improved mechanical advantage conferred to these muscles by the greater inclination of ribs. Because of a greater inclination of ribs, female rib cages could accommodate a greater volume expansion.