BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What occurs when the intercostal muscles contract during inhalation?

The thorax volume decreases

Pressure in the lungs decreases

When the intercostal muscles contract during inhalation, they pull the ribcage upward and outward, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity. This increase in volume leads to a decrease in pressure within the lungs compared to the atmospheric pressure outside the body. According to Boyle's law, when the volume of a container increases, the pressure inside it decreases, causing air to flow into the lungs. Thus, the decrease in pressure in the lungs is a direct result of the increased thoracic volume created by the contraction of the intercostal muscles. This mechanism is crucial for efficient breathing and allows air to enter the lungs, facilitating gas exchange.

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The ribcage moves inward

The sternum drops

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