This document discusses the mechanics of breathing including the muscles involved in inspiration and expiration, pressures in the thoracic cavity, lung volumes and capacities, and properties of the lungs and chest wall. It explains that inspiration is an active process due to contraction of inspiratory muscles like the diaphragm and external intercostals, while expiration is usually passive due to elastic recoil of the lungs. Contraction of these muscles decreases intrapleural pressure and expands the lungs, decreasing intrapulmonary pressure and allowing air to flow in. It also discusses pressures like intrapleural, transmural and alveolar pressures that influence breathing, as well as lung compliance, airway resistance, and the role of surfactant