How the phrenic nerve affects the diaphragm?

Question

The phrenic nerve may be damaged where it descends along the neck or during open thorax or open heart surgery. Explain how damage to the right phrenic nerve affects diaphragm.

Answer 1

The phrenic nerve causes the muscle tissue of the diaphragm to contract.  This causes the lungs to fill with air.  Damage of this nerve may cause a paralysis of breathing.