Answer each in 5-6 sentences.
1. Explain the breathing mechanism in human beings.
inntinn in animals with
Answers
Explanation:
All living beings need oxygen to live. The process of breaking down food particles into energy also requires oxygen supply. Saying this, breathing is a respiratory process of taking in oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. This is also called ventilation. In short, the out and in movements of air into the lungs is called breathing or external ventilation.
Plants get the benefits out of human’s expiration by making use of the carbon dioxide for their photosynthesis. Regardless of whether it is a plant, animal, bird or a human being, the entire breathing process is continuous throughout one’s living. The pace of breathing, however, will vary according to the species. It is also influenced by factors such as health conditions, environment, present activity levels, temperature, etc. For example, a person will breathe more when involved in sports or exercising. On the other hand, one’s breathing rate would be calm or less, when in a relaxed state.
Inhalation is the term used to define the taking-in process of oxygen. Exhalation is referred to as exhaling on flushing out carbon dioxide out of the body. The terms inspiration and expiration are also used often to refer to the breathing process. Following is the detailed explanation for the same.
Mechanism of Breathing
As noted, the breathing rate varies from person to person, ranging from 15-18 times per minute. When it comes to understanding the mechanism of respiration, the pressure of air plays a major role. The alveolar spaces of the lungs take in air by the active process of inspiration; when the pressure inside the lungs exceeds the pressure of the atmosphere, the oxygen comes out as carbon dioxide during expiration.
Important Pointers about the ‘Inspiration’ Process:
Muscles contract.
The ribs pull outside.
Diaphragm contracts.
The above steps result in the expansion of the chest cavity.
A minimal amount of air is sucked into the lungs and gets filled into the expanded alveoli region.
Inside the lungs, the pressure of air and the atmosphere is quite similar.
Yet, when the lungs expand, the pressure of air will decrease inside the lungs.
This is the common mechanism of breathing in human beings, irrespective of age, gender and any other physical factors. Note that the inspiration of air takes place only when the thoracic cavity increases in volume.
Important Pointers about the ‘Expiration’ Process:
On the contrary, expiration is a process of exchanging gaseous matter inside the lungs, to expel the air outside.
Rib muscles contract.
Air pressure increases outside of the thoracic region.
Internal intercostal muscles contract whereas the external intercostal muscles relax.
Size of the thoracic cavity is reduced, hence ribs pull inwards.
Abdominal muscles will contract in shape.
Lungs will compress due to the relaxation of the diaphragm.
Henceforth, due to an increase in pressure, the air is pushed outside.