Posted by rc on August 23, 2009 at 16:18:52:
In Reply to: Re: Pump Handle/Bucket Handle posted by Candice on August 20, 2009 at 18:58:48:
Consider this exaggerated example:
Pump handle- Increases the volume of the rib cage in the anterior/posterior dimension. Think of a pump handle in its lowest position-there is very little space between the end of the handle and the pump itself. Now think of the handle when it is raised- the space between the end of the handle and the pump increases until it reaches its maximum distance for the pump, which is the length of the handle itself. This distance is achieved when the handle is perpendicular to the pump.
Similarly, as the sternum (pump handle) rises up and out, it expands the chest cavity.
The bucket handle is basically the same principle as the pump handle, only it involves the lateral sides of the ribs. Once again, they rise up and out, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity.
Because the pleura of the lungs connects them (through a series of layers) to the rib cage itself, the lungs conform to the size of the cage. Therefore, an increase in the volume of the cage corresponds to an increase in the volume of the lungs. Increase in volume --> decrease in pressure, air fills the lungs and inspiration occurs.
This is defined as intercostal breathing because your intercostal muscles act to adjust the volume of the thoracic cage. There is also diaphragmatic breathing in which you contract your diaphragm to adjust the size of the cavity. Recall that Dr. Zagon described two cases in which only one type of breathing was performed- it is my understanding that diaphragmatic breathing corresponds to "deeper" breathing while breathing with just your intercostals is more shallow breathing. Of course, the two often coincide.
: : If anyone could explain pump handle and bucket handle action in a succinct and accurate way I would appreciate it. Thanks!
: : -Nate
: Hey Nate,
: The pump handle action is for the up/out down/in movement of the rib cage (or, before Dr. Zagon frowns on my lack of anatomical terms, superior/ventral inferior/dorsal movement. If it helps, imagine that the xhyphoid is the tip of the pump handle.
: I am less sure about this one, but I believe that the bucket handle action is for the expansion (lateral, I suppose) of the rib cage. Imagine that one side of your rib cage is a bucket handle laying on the side of the bucket (i.e., before you pick ti up). When you pick up the handle, it kind of goes outward; the best way to picture it would be to look at an actual bucket handle and watch the arc as you lift the handle.
: Hope this helps!!
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