Breathing process refers to the gas exchange between the breathing body
and the atmosphere. INHALING OXYGEN and EXHALING CARBON DIOXIDE, is essential for maintaining cellular metabolism. Breathing affects thecirculation and heart rate. The primary driver of respiration is the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, rather than the level of oxygen.
Breathing is controlled by the respiratory center, which is located in the
medulla oblongata of the brainstem. Chemoreceptors continuously monitor
the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. When the concentration of CO2
increases, these chemoreceptors send signals to the respiratory centers in
the brain, stimulating an increase in breathing rate and depth. This response,
known as the respiratory drive, is primarily driven by the need to eliminate
excess carbon dioxide and restore the acid-base balance in the body. The
sensitivity / treshold to CO2 of the chemoreceptors is shaped and depends
on individual breathing patterns..
The BREATH consists of two main phases: INHALATION (inspiration) and
EXHALATION (expiration), and optional pauses in between: BREATH RETENTION
WITH FULL LUNGS after inhalation, and BREATH RETENTION
WITH EMPTY LUNGS after exhalation
During inhalation, the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located at the
base of the lungs, contracts, and the chest cavity expands, allowing air to
enter the lungs. Exhalation involves the relaxation of the diaphragm and
chest muscles, causing air to be expelled from the lungs.