The Lungs or Respiratory System
For singers, our breath is the power for our sound. However, the Lungs aren’t the only part of the body responsible for creating our breath. The Lungs are just one piece of the entire Respiratory System. The system also includes:
Trachea
Lungs
Rib Cage
Intercostal Muscles
Diaphragm
Abdominal Muscles
The External Intercostal Muscles and Diaphragm are responsible for opening the Rib Cage while the Internal Intercostal Muscles and Abdominal Muscles are responsible for closing the Rib Cage. When the ribs open the lungs will follow. As the lungs open, air will naturally fill the lungs. This is a very simple idea of how our bodies take in air. We singers learn to use these musicals together to help slow down the release of the Rib Cage and the outtake of breath.
