7.1.2

Ventilation

Test yourself

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:

Illustrative background for 1) Muscle contractionIllustrative background for 1) Muscle contraction ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for 2) Thoracic cavityIllustrative background for 2) Thoracic cavity ?? "content

2) Thoracic cavity

  • The external intercostal muscles move the ribcage upwards and outwards.
  • The diaphragm moves downwards.
  • The volume of the thoracic cavity increases.
Illustrative background for 3) Lung pressure decreasesIllustrative background for 3) Lung pressure decreases ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for 4) Air flowIllustrative background for 4) Air flow ?? "content

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:

Illustrative background for 1) Muscle relaxationIllustrative background for 1) Muscle relaxation ?? "content

1) Muscle relaxation

  • The external intercostal muscles relax.
  • The internal intercostal muscles also contract.
  • The diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards.
Illustrative background for 2) Thoracic cavityIllustrative background for 2) Thoracic cavity ?? "content

2) Thoracic cavity

  • The internal intercostal muscles move the ribcage downwards and inwards.
  • The diaphragm moves upwards.
  • The volume of the thoracic cavity decreases.
Illustrative background for 3) Lung pressure increasesIllustrative background for 3) Lung pressure increases ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for 4) Air flowIllustrative background for 4) Air flow ?? "content

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

1Unity & Diversity - Molecules

2Unity & Diversity - Cells

3Unity & Diversity - Organisms

4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

5Form & Function - Molecules

6Form & Function - Cells

7Form & Function - Organisms

8Form & Function - Ecosystems

9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1Populations & Communities

12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter

13Continuity & Change - Molecules

14Continuity & Change - Cells

15Continuity & Change - Organisms

16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium