Human Respiration - Oxygen and Carbondioxide exchange ?
The human breathing cycle, also known as respiration, involves the process of inhaling and exhaling air. This cycle is essential for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are crucial for cellular function. Let's break down the breathing cycle from inhalation to cell-level changes and exhalation:
Inhalation (Inspiration):
The process begins with the contraction of the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs, and the external intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs).
Contraction of these muscles increases the thoracic (chest) cavity's volume, which leads to a decrease in air pressure within the lungs.
As a result, air rushes into the lungs from the higher atmospheric pressure outside, filling the expanded lungs with oxygen.
Gas Exchange in the Lungs:
In the lungs, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the blood through the thin walls of the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs).
Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by cells, moves from the blood into the alveoli to be expelled during exhalation.
Transport of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the Blood:
Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, forming oxyhemoglobin. The oxygenated blood is then transported from the lungs to the heart.
Carbon dioxide, mostly carried in the form of bicarbonate ions, is transported back to the lungs through the bloodstream.
Cellular Respiration at the Cellular Level:
Oxygen-rich blood is pumped by the heart to various tissues and organs.
Within the cells, oxygen is used in cellular respiration to produce energy (in the form of ATP) by metabolizing glucose.
Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of cellular respiration, is released into the bloodstream.
Below video explains how the C02 is removed from body...
Exhalation is a passive process, primarily driven by the relaxation of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles.
As these muscles relax, the thoracic cavity decreases in volume, increasing the air pressure within the lungs.
This higher pressure forces air, now enriched with carbon dioxide, out of the lungs into the atmosphere.
Gas Exchange at the Alveoli:
As the exhaled air passes through the alveoli, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the air, ready to be expelled from the body during the next exhalation.
This breathing cycle repeats continuously to ensure a constant supply of oxygen to the body's cells and the removal of carbon dioxide, supporting cellular function and maintaining homeostasis. The entire process is regulated by the respiratory center in the brain, responding to the body's need for oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide.
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