The respiratory cycle involves inhalation and exhalation. The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles are the most important respiratory muscles. Accessory muscles that can assist with inhalation include the sternocleidomastoid, serratus anterior, pectoralis minor, and scalene muscles. The abdominal muscles that can assist with exhalation include the external and internal oblique, transversus abdominis, and rectus abdominis muscles. The respiratory minute volume, which is the amount of air moved each minute, is calculated by multiplying the respiratory rate by the tidal volume. Alveolar ventilation is the amount of air reaching the alveoli each minute, which is less than the