Breathing is essential to every second, hour and day of our lives. Breathing often happens without us even knowing it as our body works in a systematic rhythm to keep us moving about each day. However, understanding the physiological mechanisms behind breathing and its importance in daily living cannot be understated.
Anatomy
The anatomical structures involved in breathing begin with the mouth and the nose. From there, the trachea, left and right bronchi and the lungs play a large part in the continued process of breathing. Additionally, structures such as cilia in the airways and alveoli in the lungs contribute significantly to the overall process. Furthermore, the intercostal muscles of the rib cage and diaphragm are essential to the active process of inhalation and exhalation.
Process and Function
Breathing happens on two different levels, consisting of internal and external processes. The internal aspect of breathing happens on the cellular level, and it creates energy while also producing carbon dioxide. External breathing is a physiological process that involves inhaling oxygen from the atmosphere and exhaling carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
During breathing, oxygen enters the body through the nose and mouth and makes its way down the trachea and into the lungs where gas exchange occurs in the alveoli. In this gas exchange, oxygen is diffused into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is taken from the blood. Additionally, during the gas exchange, the intercostal muscles of the rib cage help expand the chest, which increases intrathoracic pressure within the rib cage. The diaphragm then flattens out. Once exhalation begins, the intercostals and diaphragm relax as carbon dioxide that was diffused from the gas exchange process is released into the atmosphere. The ultimate function of breathing is keep oxygen flowing throughout the body while releasing the buildup of carbon dioxide.
Types
The physiology of breathing takes place both on a voluntary and involuntary level. On a voluntary level, we can speed up or slow down our breathing whenever we want. On an involuntary level, our breathing is controlled by the brain, which allows us to breathe even when we are sleeping. It was once thought that breathing was controlled by one breathing center in the brain; however that claim has been refuted. In the March 6, 2003, issue of the journal "Neuron," Dr. Nicholas Mellen indicates that there are two centers responsible for breathing, working together like a network to control everyday breathing patterns.
Benefits
While breathing serves as an all important physiological component of sustaining life, it also plays a large role in the situations and circumstances that are a part of our everyday lives. Understanding the physiological process of breathing can help in various ways. Decreasing your breathing rate can help you reestablish balance after a very difficult experience. Increasing breathing rate can stimulate a sense of preparedness and focus for a high arousal situation such as a sporting event.
Exercise and Breathing
Exercise stimulates an increased need for understanding the physiological importance of breathing. During exercise, respiration increases due to the demands of physical activity. Activities such resistance training can cause a dramatic increase in blood pressure and respiration.
One of the factors that can lead to a sharp rise in blood pressure is through use of the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver occurs when an exerciser holds his/her breath during the exertion phase of an exercise. In the January 2009 "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" researchers indicated that use of this Valsalva maneuver is highly contraindicated due to its increased cardiovascular risks. Therefore, it is extremely important to execute proper breathing during all forms of exercise. This includes a normal physiological process of inhaling slowly and exhaling forcefully during repetitive motions of physical activity.
