Q. During inhalation, the ribs ____:
Answer: Move upwards
Notes: The ribs help in the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity (though that is primarily the function of the diaphragm). When we inhale, the ribs move up and outwards while the diaphragm moves down. An exact opposite movement occurs during exhalation when the ribs move down and inwards while the diaphragm moves up. The outward movement of the ribs during inhalation expands our chest cavity increasing the space to accommodate air that rushes to lungs, whereas the inward movement of the ribs helps the carbon dioxide filled the air to be pushed out of the lungs.