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The diaphragm: Anatomy and function

Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Key Takeaways The diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing. The diaphragm helps ...
Diaphragm pain can have multiple causes, including strenuous exercise, pregnancy, trauma to the area, a hiatial hernia, or gallbladder problems. The diaphragm is a mushroom-shaped muscle that sits ...
A diaphragm is a safe barrier method of birth control. It works by stopping sperm from entering your uterus. Learn more about how to determine if this contraceptive is right for you. A diaphragm is a ...
Women have been using the diaphragm for birth control in one form or another for hundreds of years. It’s a small, flexible cup made of silicone or latex that goes inside the vagina to block sperm from ...
Pain in the diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen — can happen for many reasons, such as an injury, pregnancy, and pneumonia. The diaphragm moves downward so the lungs can ...
Donna J. Drucker is senior adviser in English as the Language of Instruction at Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany. She’s most recently the author of Contraception: A Concise History. This ...
Diaphragm spasms feel like twitches in the area between the chest and the abdomen. They can occur with or without pain. Possible causes include an injury, nerve irritation, or a rare condition known ...