Using accessory muscles to breathe

Glossary. Accessory muscles of respiration – muscles other than the diaphragm and intercostal muscles that may be used for labored breathing. The sternocleidomastoid, spinal, and neck muscles may be used as accessory muscles of respiration; their use is a sign of an abnormal or labored breathing pattern.

1. Is it bad to use accessory muscles to breathe?
2. What are the accessory muscles used in breathing?
3. When do you use accessory muscles to breathe?
4. Why do COPD patients use accessory muscles to breathe?

Is it bad to use accessory muscles to breathe?

The breathing accessory muscles

This is a normal response to breathlessness. These muscles are therefore called breathing accessory muscles. The main role of breathing accessory muscles is to move the neck and arms.

What are the accessory muscles used in breathing?

Role of Muscle in Respiration

Accessory muscles of ventilation include the scalene, the sternocleidomastoid, the pectoralis major, the trapezius, and the external intercostals. Smooth muscle is found in the trachea and in the pulmonary arteries and smaller vessels.

When do you use accessory muscles to breathe?

If the muscle contraction is palpable during quiet tidal breathing, the accessory muscles are in use. These muscles contract normally during an attempt at deep inspiration. It will be obvious when the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles are in action.

Why do COPD patients use accessory muscles to breathe?

Dynamic hyperinflation and air trapping in COPD patients place the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in a mechanically disadvantageous position. Because of this, the diaphragm and intercostals are unable to provide adequate ventilation, leading to the recruitment of accessory muscles.