University of Central Florida (UCF) SPA3011 Speech Science Practice Exam 1

During a slow exhale, the inspiratory muscles, which typically include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, effectively cease their activity. This is because the primary function of these muscles is to facilitate inhalation by expanding the thoracic cavity and drawing air into the lungs.

When exhalation occurs, especially in a controlled and slow manner, the body relies on the passive recoil of the lungs and thoracic cavity rather than the active contraction of the inspiratory muscles. As air is expelled, there's a reduction in lung volume that occurs due to the elastic recoil of the lung tissue and the relaxation of the inspiratory muscles. Therefore, during a slow exhale, these muscles are not working; they are essentially inactive as exhalation is more of a passive process rather than an active one.

This contrasts with other phases of respiration where the inspiratory muscles would be actively engaged in drawing in air. Consequently, the status of the inspiratory muscles during a slow exhale is to stop their activity, aligning with the choice that indicates they cease activity.