Zwerchfell
diaphragm
The German word "Zwerchfell" is a noun meaning "diaphragm" (the muscular structure separating the chest and abdominal cavities and playing a key role in breathing).
It is made of two parts:
- "Zwerch" (an old term related to "quer", meaning "across" or "transverse")
- "Fell" means "skin" or "membrane".
Similar anatomical terms relating to respiratory parts include "Brustkorb" (rib cage) and "Lunge" (lung).
Difference:
While "Zwerchfell" refers specifically to the diaphragm muscle important for respiration, "Brustkorb" and "Lunge" denote structures surrounding or involved in breathing but are different organs or structures.
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Examples
Das Zwerchfell hilft beim Atmen.noun
The diaphragm helps with breathing.
Viele Menschen wissen nicht genau, wie das Zwerchfell funktioniert.noun
Many people do not know exactly how the diaphragm works.
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