diafragmat

Diafragmat is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in the fields of optics and medicine. In photography and optics, a diafragmat, often called a diaphragm, is a component that controls the amount of light passing through a lens. It is typically composed of a series of overlapping blades that can be adjusted to create an opening of varying sizes. A larger opening (lower f-number) allows more light in, resulting in a shallower depth of field, while a smaller opening (higher f-number) reduces light and increases depth of field. This mechanism is crucial for exposure control and creative photographic effects.

In anatomy, a diafragmat, or diaphragm, is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the chest cavity that separates the abdomen from the chest. It plays a primary role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, it flattens and moves downward, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs. When it relaxes, it returns to its dome shape, pushing air out of the lungs. This involuntary muscular action is essential for respiration. The term can also appear in other technical contexts, but these two are the most common meanings.