Difference Between Breathing and Respiration, Types
Difference Between Breathing and Respiration is that Breathing is a mechanical action that causes variations in the air volume within the chest cavity. Respiration is a biological process that introduces oxygen into the bloodstream while eliminating carbon dioxide from the body.
Krati Saraswat15 May, 2025
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Difference Between Breathing and Respiration: Breathing and respiration are essential for living organisms. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to a variety of biological functions. The confusion stems from the shared organs involved in both processes, such as the lungs and nose.
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Difference Between Breathing and Respiration Overview
The main difference between breathing and respiration is that breathing is the physical act of inhaling and exhaling air, while respiration is the metabolic process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy. Both processes are essential for life, and they are closely linked. Breathing is the physical act of inhaling and exhaling air. This process brings oxygen into the body and expels carbon dioxide. The respiratory center in the brain automatically regulates the rate and depth of breathing. Respiration is the metabolic process by which cells in the body use oxygen to produce energy. This process is essential for life, as cells cannot function without oxygen.What is Breathing?
Breathing, also known as ventilation, is a voluntary and physiological action performed by our bodies. Breathing is the inhalation and exhalation of air. This process involves the ribcage contracting and expanding and the muscles between the ribs, including the diaphragm. The diaphragm between the abdominal and thoracic cavities is very important. As it moves downward, the diaphragm draws air into our bodies, delivering oxygen-rich air to the lungs. This oxygen is then transported to body cells via the bloodstream, which initiates the process of cellular respiration.
How Do We Breathe?
Breathing is a process that begins when we inhale air through our nose or mouth. The air travels down our throat and into the windpipe, which has many branches called bronchial tubes. The key parts involved in breathing are:
- Nose and nasal cavity
- Sinuses
- Mouth
- Throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx)
- Windpipe (trachea)
- Diaphragm
- Lungs
- Bronchial tubes and bronchioles
- Air sacs (alveoli)
- Capillaries
Bronchioles are smaller branches of the bronchial tubes. At the end of each bronchiole are balloon-like air sacs called alveoli, which are surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The inhaled oxygen enters the bloodstream through the alveoli, and the heart then pumps the oxygen-rich blood to all of the body's cells, tissues, and organs. The cells use the oxygen, produce carbon dioxide, and the blood carries the carbon dioxide back to the lungs, where it is removed from the body when we exhale.
What is Respiration?
Respiration is a biochemical process that occurs within the body and involves gas exchange between the lungs and blood, as well as blood and cells throughout the body. This chemical transformation converts glucose into energy required for cellular functions. Respiration occurs involuntarily, without conscious thought. It is the mechanism by which oxygen is supplied to the body's cells and carbon dioxide is expelled. There are two types of respiration: anaerobic respiration and aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is the process by which oxygen and glucose produce water, carbon dioxide, and energy. This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells. Anaerobic respiration occurs during strenuous exercise or when there is a lack of oxygen. It yields lactic acid, leading to fatigue, pain, and muscle cramping.Types of Respiration
There are two main types of breathing, called aerobic and anaerobic respiration. These types depend on whether oxygen is present or not.- Aerobic Respiration: This type of respiration occurs when oxygen is present. It is responsible for producing energy and is evident in various eukaryotic cells.
- Anaerobic Respiration: This type of respiration occurs without oxygen and is commonly found in human muscle cells, prokaryotes, and methanogens.
Difference Between Breathing and Respiration
Breathing moves air in and out of the lungs, delivering oxygen to the entire body. Respiration, on the other hand, is the process of taking in oxygen from the environment and expelling carbon dioxide. Both processes involve the lungs and nose, but it is important to distinguish between them to understand their respective roles. One way to think about the difference between breathing and respiration is that breathing is the physical act of moving air, while respiration is the chemical process of exchanging gases. Breathing is necessary for respiration, but respiration does not require breathing. For example, a person who is submerged underwater can still breathe through a scuba tank, even though they are not taking in any air through their nose or mouth. Another way to think about the difference between breathing and respiration is that breathing is involuntary, while respiration is voluntary. We cannot control our breathing rate or depth, but we can control our respiratory rate and depth. For example, we can breathe faster or slower by consciously changing our breathing . The table below summarizes the key difference between breathing and respiration:|
Difference Between Breathing and Respiration |
||
|---|---|---|
| Comparison Basis | Breathing | Respiration |
| Meaning | It pertains to the inhalation of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon dioxide through the lungs. | It is a process wherein the breakdown of glucose generates energy, utilized by the cell for various cellular activities. |
| Occurrence | It takes place in the lungs. | It occurs within cells. |
| Cellular activity | It is an extracellular process occurring outside the cells. | It is an intracellular process happening inside the cells. |
| Process | Breathing is a voluntary biophysical process involving two stages: Glycolysis and Krebs. | Respiration is an involuntary biochemical process carried out through inspiration and expiration. |
| Energy | Breathing does not produce energy. | Respiration releases energy in the form of ATP. |
| Enzymes | No enzymes are utilized in the breathing process. | Enzymes play a significant role in respiration, being used many times. |
| Organs | Breathing occurs through respiratory organs such as the nose, lungs, and mouth. | Respiration occurs in cells and cell organelles, including mitochondria. |
Difference Between Breathing and Respiration FAQs
What is the definition of respiration?
Respiration is defined as a metabolic process in which living cells obtain energy (in the form of ATP) by inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide via the oxidation of complex organic substances.
What is the definition of breathing?
The physical process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide is known as breathing. The mechanism is divided into two parts: inspiration and expiration, with inspiration occurring when the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract.
What are three difference between breathing and respiration?
Breathing refers to the biological process of inhaling and exhaling gases between cells and the environment, involving respiratory structures like the windpipe and lungs. In contrast, respiration is a chemical process occurring within the cell.
What is the difference between breathing and respiration in Hindi?
श्वास (breathing) is the process of taking air in and out of the lungs. At the same time, श्वसन (respiration) is the process of oxygenating complex food substances to break them down into simpler components for easy digestion. Breathing occurs in the lungs, whereas respiration occurs in all body cells.
Why is breathing referred to as respiration?
Breathing is termed respiration because, during the process, the respiratory system takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. The cells in our bodies require fresh oxygen for survival, and as they perform their functions, they produce and release carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is called respiration.
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