ALL ABOUT INHALING

As you breathe in, the diaphragm contracts and flattens out, which increases the thoracic activity volume. This allows it to move down, so your lungs have more room to grow larger as they fill up with air. "Move over, diaphragm, I'm filling up!" is what your lungs would say.

And the diaphragm isn't the only part that gives your lungs the room they need. The external intercostals muscle between each rib contracts. The rib cage is lifted up and outward to give the lungs more space.

The increase in the thoracic cavity volume temporarily reduces air pressure inside the lungs. Hence the air rushes into them from the atmosphere through the air passage.

When it's time to exhale (breathe out), everything happens in reverse: Now it's the diaphragm's turn to say, "Move it!" Diaphragm relaxes and moves up, pushing air out of the lungs. Your external intercostals muscles become relaxed, and your rib cage move in again, creating a smaller space in your chest.