Which muscles primarily handle the task of performing forced expiration?

The muscles that are primarily responsible for forced expiration are the internal intercostals and the abdominal muscles. During forced expiration, the internal intercostals assist by pulling the ribs downward and inward, which helps expel air from the lungs more forcefully than in passive expiration. The abdominal muscles also play a critical role by contracting to increase intra-abdominal pressure and push the diaphragm upward, further aiding in expelling air from the lungs effectively.

Understanding these muscle actions is essential as they enable activities that require quick or forceful exhalation, such as during vigorous exercise, coughing, or blowing out air. The internal intercostals and abdominal muscles work synergistically to facilitate this process more efficiently than the muscles involved in normal, passive breathing.