Breathing and respiration are two related but distinct physiological processes that are involved in gas exchange in the body.
Breathing, also known as ventilation, is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs. It involves the inhalation of oxygen-rich air and the exhalation of carbon dioxide-rich air. Breathing is a mechanical process that is controlled by the respiratory muscles and the respiratory center in the brain.
Respiration, on the other hand, is the process of exchanging gases between the body’s cells and the environment. It involves the uptake of oxygen by the cells and the release of carbon dioxide as a waste product. Respiration consists of two main processes: external respiration and internal respiration. External respiration is the exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood, while internal respiration is the exchange of gases between the blood and the body’s tissues.
In summary, breathing is the mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs, while respiration is the physiological process of exchanging gases between the body’s cells and the environment. Respiration involves both external respiration (exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood) and internal respiration (exchange of gases between the blood and the body’s tissues), while breathing only involves the movement of air in and out of the lungs.
