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72 illustrating this important point, when the head falls forward the spine becomes bent, the intervertebral cartilages thinned on the inner portion of the vertebral column by the pressure, and the ribs are forced into a totally different position than that ordained by Nature. Instead of standing out at a considerable angle from the spine, and thus affording free scope for the action of the heart and lungs, which are the organs essential to existence, the chest falls downwards, pressing on the abdominal cavity, the ends of the ribs are brought into closer approxi­mation, the sternum or chest-bone is forced inwards, and the cavity of the chest considerably diminished. In addition to this, the contents of the abdomen are prevented from acting properly, as the space is encroached upon by the organs of the thorax, which are pressed down­wards by the drooping of the ribs.

Now in respiration a constant alternate motion takes place between the chest and abdominal cavity which we may as well explain here, as many ladies think that so long as the chest remains free from pressure the abdomen may be tightened without danger or inconvenience. The division between the chest and abdomen is formed by a strong muscle called the diaphragm or midriff, which is nearly circular in form, and is attached in front, under the cartilages of the breast-bone along the sides, to the cartilages of the six lower ribs, whilst at the back it is firmly fixed to the first lumbar vertebra. It occupies an oblique position in the centre of the body, rising into the thoracic cavity during expira­tion; and, as we inspire, it is pressed downward into the abdominal cavity, materially assisting digestion by its action. Of course, as the diaphragm descends the capacity of the chest becomes enlarged to a considerable extent, while at the same time the abdomen is pushed outwards to make room for the inflation of the lungs. The intercostal muscles, or those between the ribs, also exert a very considerable influence in raising the ribs during inspiration, and thus increasing the size of the thoracic cavity; and if these be prevented from perform­ing their natural functions, breathing must be carried on solely by the action of the diaphragm, as we find to be the case in almost every instance of consumption or thoracic disease.*