Question

What is respiration? Explain the process of respiration in human beings. (Figure not required)

Answer 1

Respiration: The process of releasing energy by the oxidation of food is known as respiration. The process of respiration involves intake of oxygenated air into the cells for breaking the food and releasing energy.
Mechanism of respiration:
i. Air is drawn into the body through the nostrils.
ii. The air from the nasal cavity passes to the pharynx, which leads to the trachea, through a slit called glottis.
iii. The trachea runs down the neck and divides into two bronchi, which lead into the lungs and further divide into smaller bronchioles. The smallest bronchioles terminate into alveoli.
iv. The walls of the alveoli are thin and covered by blood capillaries to facilitate the exchange of gases in the lungs.
v. In the alveoli, the exchange of gases takes place, CO${}_2$ from the blood is replaced with O${}_2$ and CO${}_2$ is removed out of the body.

vi. In humans, for the process of respiration, air is drawn into the lungs by the process of breathing.
When an individual inhales, the diaphragm moves down, and the chest cavity expands and the oxygen rich air is drawn into the lungs. When the individual exhales, the diaphragm relaxes and the chest cavity moves back to its relaxed position and the carbon dioxide rich air is expelled out of the body.