The breath

Apuntes

The breathing process, or pulmonary ventilation, is a two-step process involving inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling). Air enters the lungs during inspiration, and then is expelled during expiration. This process allows the body to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, essential for cellular energy production. 1. Inspiration (Inhalation): The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract. This contraction causes the rib cage to expand outward and the chest cavity to enlarge. The increased space within the chest cavity creates a lower pressure compared to the outside air. Air rushes into the lungs to equalize the pressure. 2. Expiration (Exhalation): The diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax. The chest cavity returns to its original size. The pressure inside the lungs becomes higher than the outside pressure. Air is pushed out of the lungs. Gas Exchange: In the lungs, oxygen diffuses from the inhaled air into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the lungs. This gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs within the lungs. Oxygenated blood is then pumped by the heart to the body's cells, where it is used to produce...