Which combination of muscles aids inspiration by elevating the ribs during speech breathing?

• A. diaphragm and abdominal wall
• B. external intercostals and diaphragm
• C. internal intercostals and abdominal wall
• D. buccinator and orbicularis oris

Answer: (B)

When you inhale for speech, you widen the chest cavity by using muscles that lift the rib cage and lower the diaphragm. The diaphragm contracts and moves downward, increasing vertical space in the thorax. At the same time, the external intercostal muscles contract to lift the ribs, expanding the chest in the front-to-back and side-to-side directions. This combination maximizes overall thoracic volume, lowers intrapulmonary pressure, and pulls air into the lungs—precisely what you want for controlled, steady inspiration during speaking.

Other options involve muscles that mainly facilitate expiration or non-respiratory actions. The abdominal wall and internal intercostals help push air out rather than draw it in, and facial muscles like the buccinator and orbicularis oris are involved in articulation rather than respiration.