Lungs and Diaphragm
The Lungs and Diaphragm
Our lungs and diaphragm play a crucial role in keeping us alive! Our lungs, protected by our ribs, fill with air and help bring fresh oxygen into our bodies. The involuntary diaphragm muscle helps to regulate inhalation and exhalation. The diaphragm also serves as a protective barrier for our delicate inner organs. This large muscle attaches around the base of your ribcage and circles all the way around from your back body to the xiphoid process (the tiny point that protrudes from your sternum, you may have learned about this if you've ever taken a CPR class).
As we inhale and exhale, we can feel the movement of our ribs, and the lower body organs and viscera (guts and stuff) displace so that we can make more room for air in our lungs on an inhale. As we inhale deeply, the vocal folds (glottis) in the larynx separate and air can enter our lungs through the trachea. Then, upon exhalation, air passes back through our trachea, and therefore the larynx. When we make sound, our glottis (or the vocal folds within the larynx) come together and vibrate to make sound. Additional muscles surrounding our ribs and abdomen help to control the speed at which we exhale.
The Great Misnomer: "Sing from the Diaphragm"
For many years, I've had students tell me they were taught to "sing from the diaphragm" or "project with your diaphragm" -- As a teacher, I've stayed away from terminology that doesn't support biology. This expression is an old one and has worked for many teachers over the years. To translate this, "sing from your diaphragm" is almost certainly referring to that sensation of displacement of the internal viscera as we support our breath. In reality, the diaphragm sits fairly high in the body, and the "singing from the diaphragm" sensation is almost always described as a lower point around the belly. As we get into vocal exercises for breath, you will make notes in your observation journal where *YOU* feel your breath support and make sure you are singing in a way that is comfortable and works for your unique anatomy.
Additional Resources:
Video Animation (in French, but animations are great)
