Mechanism of Breathing Inspiration and Expiration


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Mechanism of Breathing Inspiration and Expiration

Mechanism of breathing

There are two main steps in breathing: INSPIRATION and EXPIRATION

  • Inspiration: Also called inhalation is the process of breathing in by which air is brought into the lungs. Inspiration involves the following steps.
  • The muscles attached to the ribs on their outer side contract. This causes the ribs to be pulled out expanding the chest cavity. The muscle wall between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity called ‘diaphragm’, contracts and move downward to further expand the chest cavity. The abdominal muscle contract. The expansion of the chest cavity creates a partial vacuum in the chest cavity. This sucks in air into the lungs and fills the expanded alveoli.
  • Expiration: After the exchange of gases in the lungs, the air has to be expelled. Expulsion of the air from the lungs is called ‘expiration’. In this process, muscles attached to the ribs on their inner side contract, and the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles relax.
  • This leads to a decrease in the volume of the chest cavity, which increases the pressure on the lungs.
  • The air in the lungs is pushed out and it passes out through the nose. When we breathe out not all of the air in the lungs gets expelled. Some of it remains in the lungs. This keeps the lungs from collapsing and allows more time for the exchange of gases.
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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    ___________________ Is a physical process that involves intercostal muscles which lies between the ribs and the diaphragm.

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    During inhaling, the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs are pushed ____________  and  ____________ the diaphragm contracts and moves downward.

    Right Option : B
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    Question : 3

    Exhaling is the downward and inner movement of the diaphragm reduce the space in the chest cavity. The capacity of the chest becomes smaller and the air rushes out of the ______________ .

    Right Option : A
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