Difference Between Breathing and Respiration, Types

   Free Study Material for NEET Preparation

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:

1. Nose and nasal cavity
2. Sinuses
3. Mouth
4. Throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx)
5. Windpipe (trachea)
6. Diaphragm
7. Lungs
8. Bronchial tubes and bronchioles
9. Air sacs (alveoli)
10. 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.