Basics of Pediatric Anesthesia/Pediatric Anesthesia Article of the Day

Developmental Changes of the Rib Cage from Birth to Adulthood – Adults can increase lung volume by raising the ribs and contracting the diaphragm. Early in development, the configuration of the rib cage and muscular attachments of the diaphragm place the newborn at a mechanical disadvantage because the ribs are already “raised,” and contraction of the diaphragm results in a relatively small increase in thoracic cavity volume. Illustration by Rob Fedirko.