Breathing/Respiration

Definition

Breathing or respiration refers to the process by which organisms inhale oxygen from their environment and exhale carbon dioxide back into it.

Analogy

Imagine breathing as if you're operating bellows for a fire. When you pull apart a bellow (inhale), fresh air rushes in and fills up space; this is similar to lungs filling up with oxygen-rich air. Pushing bellows together (exhale) forces out stale air, akin to expelling carbon dioxide from our bodies.

Related terms

Inhalation/Inspiration: The act of drawing air into lungs by expanding chest cavity volume.

Exhalation/Expiration: The act of pushing out air from lungs by decreasing chest cavity volume.

Respiratory System: The body system that includes your lungs and airways, which work together to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.