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Breathing (or Ventilation)

Breathing in and out, also known as ventilation, can be explained in a series of steps.

Breathing in (inspiration)

Breathing in (inspiration)

  • The diaphragm contracts and moves downwards.
  • The ribs move up and out.
  • The volume of the chest increases.
  • Pressure falls below that of the outside air.
  • Air moves into the lungs from the outside air down the pressure gradient.
Breathing out (expiration)

Breathing out (expiration)

  • The diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards.
  • The ribs move down and in.
  • The volume of the chest decreases.
  • Pressure now increases above that of the outside air.
  • Air moves out of the lungs to the outside air down a pressure gradient.
Positive and negative factors

Positive and negative factors

  • There are some illnesses and lifestyle factors that can positively or negatively affect how well your lungs can exchange gases.
  • Positive:
    • Regular exercise.
  • Negative:
    • Asthma.
    • Smoking.
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    InspirationPut in order
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