4.6.2

Ventilation

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Breathing In

When a human breathes in, air flows into the lungs and oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream. Breathing in is also called inspiration. The steps involved in this process are:

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1) Muscle contraction

  • The external intercostal muscles (muscles that surround the ribcage) contracts.
  • The diaphragm contracts and moves downwards.
  • Energy is required to power the muscle contraction.
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2) Thoracic cavity

  • The external intercostal muscles move the ribcage upwards and outwards.
  • The diaphragm moves downwards.
  • The volume of the thoracic cavity increases.
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3) Lung pressure decreases

  • The increasing volume in the thoracic cavity causes the pressure in the lungs to decrease.
  • A pressure gradient between outside the lungs and inside the lungs is created.
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4) Air flow

  • Air flows inside the lungs down the pressure gradient.
  • Air flows down the trachea and into the alveoli.

Breathing Out

When a human breathes out, air flows out of the lungs and carbon dioxide diffuses out from the bloodstream. Breathing out is also called expiration. The steps involved in this process are:

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1) Muscle relaxation

  • The external intercostal muscles relax.
  • The internal intercostal muscles also contract.
  • The diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards.
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2) Thoracic cavity

  • The internal intercostal muscles move the ribcage downwards and inwards.
  • The diaphragm moves upwards.
  • The volume of the thoracic cavity decreases.
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3) Lung pressure increases

  • The decreasing volume in the thoracic cavity causes the pressure in the lungs to increase.
  • A pressure gradient between outside the lungs and inside the lungs is created.
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4) Air flow

  • Air flows out from the lungs down the pressure gradient.
  • Air flows out of the alveoli and up the trachea.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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