diaphragm

Term: diaphragm

Origin: δια/dia(=across)+ φράγμα/fragma(=barrier) to indicate any partision between two cavities by a membrane

Coined : 17^th cen

Definition:

1)The muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen consisting  the main muscle of respiration. Contraction of the diaphragm muscle expands the lungs during inspiration lowering its internal pressure.

2) a semipermeable membrane .