In what part of the body does inhalation primarily occur?

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Study for the ATI TEAS 7 Science Test. Prepare with expert-crafted questions and detailed explanations. Get ahead in your exam!

Inhalation primarily occurs in the lungs. This process involves the expansion of the thoracic cavity, which is primarily facilitated by the movement of the diaphragm. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward and increases the volume of the chest cavity, leading to a decrease in pressure. This pressure change allows air to flow into the lungs, where gas exchange occurs.

While the diaphragm plays a critical role in the mechanics of breathing, it is not the site where inhalation takes place. The lungs are the main organs responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing. Thus, the lungs are crucial for the inhalation process, as they are where the air ultimately enters and where the exchange of gases occurs.