Breathing and Respiration Overview

Breathing

• Also known as ventilation; involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
• Physical process that occurs through the lungs, facilitating air movement.
• Inhalation occurs when the diaphragm contracts, creating a vacuum to draw air in.
• Exhalation occurs when the diaphragm relaxes, pushing air out of the lungs.
• The primary purpose is to provide a continuous oxygen supply and remove carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product.

Respiration

• Refers to the biochemical process by which cells generate energy from nutrients, particularly glucose, with oxygen.
• Involves a series of chemical reactions occurring inside cells.
• External respiration is the gas exchange between lungs and blood, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
• Internal respiration is the gas exchange between blood and body tissues, where oxygen moves into cells and carbon dioxide is removed.
• Cellular respiration is the process where cells convert oxygen and glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell.
• The main purpose is to produce the energy required for cellular functions such as growth, repair, and maintenance.

Summary

• Breathing is a mechanical process that engages the respiratory system to facilitate gas exchange.
• Respiration is a chemical process occurring at the cellular level to produce energy.