3. Which of the following are part of the process of inhalation?(Choose all that apply) diaphragm contracts downward into the abdomen air pressure inside the lungs decreases intercostal muscles' expand diaphragm returns to its dome-like shape

## Step 1
Inhalation, also known as inspiration, is the process of taking air into the lungs. This process involves several physiological changes in the body.

## Step 2
The first change is the contraction of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. When it contracts, it flattens out and moves downward into the abdomen. This increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing the lungs to expand.

## Step 3
The second change is the expansion of the intercostal muscles. The intercostal muscles are located between the ribs. When these muscles contract, the ribs move upward and outward, further increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.

## Step 4
The third change is the decrease in air pressure inside the lungs. As the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, the air pressure inside the lungs decreases. This lower pressure allows air to flow into the lungs, filling the increased volume.

## Step 5
The fourth option, "diaphragm returns to its dome-like shape", is not part of the inhalation process. This action is part of the exhalation process, or expiration, where the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome-like shape, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and pushing air out of the lungs.