bellows

bellows

(bel′ōz″)

An air pump. The term is sometimes used for a mechanical pump, or alternatively, to describe the functioning of the system comprising the diaphragm and thorax as gas is moved into and out of the lungs.

bellows

a term used to refer to the action produced by an intact thorax and diaphragm in inspiration and expiration.

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bellows disruption

injury, usually by trauma, that disrupts the effectiveness of the thorax and diaphragm in moving air, e.g. puncture wounds of the thorax, flail chest and rupture of the diaphragm.