Uberon definition : A thin musculomebranous barrier that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities.
Often used for breathing control;
Uberon synonym : diaphragm of thorax; thoracic diaphragm; diaphragm muscle;
Uberon related term : phren; midriff;
Uberon Development note : originate from the cervical somites, likely C3-C5[PMID:23586979];
Uberon Function note : barrier between thoracic and abdominal cavities; stop gastric contents from refluxing
into the oesophagus;
Uberon Homology note : The mammals are characterized by a diaphragm, which separates the thoracic portion
of the body cavity from the abdominal region and assists in drawing air into the lungs
and forcing it out. Modern reptiles lack a muscular diaphragm and it is reasonable
to suppose that the diaphragm developed as a new device that made possible a large
degree of oxygen intake for active animals. The change may have taken place during
the transition from reptile to mammal (...).[well established][VHOG];
Uberon Taxon note : The existence of some membrane separating the pharynx from the stomach can be traced
widely among the chordates. Thus amphioxus possesses an atrium by which water exits
the pharynx, which has been argued (and disputed) to be homologous to structures in
ascidians and hagfishes.[3];