Introduction

La breathingit is a process vital and involuntary that occurs in our body continuously. In it, our body takes the oxygen it needs from the air and eliminates the carbon dioxide produced by the cells. However, breathing is not synonymous with inspiration y expiration, two processes that are part of it.

What is inspiration?

La inspiration It is the process by which we take air from the environment and take it to our lungs. This process It begins with the contraction of the diaphragm, a muscle located below the lungs that, when contracted, lowers and increases the space in the chest. Additionally, the intercostal muscles contract, elevating the ribs and further widening the space in the chest. Finally, air is drawn into the lungs, filling the alveoli with oxygen.

And the expiration?

La expiration It is the process by which our body eliminates carbon dioxide produced during cellular respiration. This process begins with the relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which causes the chest to decrease in size and air from the lungs to be expelled. The air comes out through the nose or mouth and the process is repeated continuously.

Differences between inspiration and expiration

La main difference between inspiration and expiration is that the first is related to the entry of air into the lungs and the second is related to the expulsion of air to the outside. During inspiration, the body needs more energy to expand the lungs and fill them with air. Instead, during exhalation, the body only needs to relax the muscles and let the air pressure expel the carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

In short, breathing is the vital and involuntary process that allows air to enter and exit our lungs. Inspiration and expiration, for their part, are processes that are part of breathing and whose objective is to bring air into the lungs and remove it from them. We hope this explanation has helped you better understand the difference between breathing, inspiration and expiration.

References

• University of Michigan Medicine. (sf). Breathing and Respiratory Muscles. Retrieved on September 22, 2021, from https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw214303#:~:text=Breathing%20is%20part%20of%20a,of%20using%20oxygen%20and%20fuel.
• La Casa del Médico, SA (sf). Breathing. Inspiration and expiration. Retrieved on September 22, 2021, from https://www.lacasadelmedico.com/respiracion-inspiracion-espiracion/

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