Question

When we breathe in air, nitrogen also goes inside along with oxygen. What is the fate of this nitrogen?

• A. It moves along with oxygen into the cells.
• B. It comes out with the $C{O}_2$ during exhalation.
• C. It is absorbed only by the nasal cells.
• D. Nitrogen concentration is already more in the cells so it is not at all absorbed.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It comes out with the $C{O}_2$ during exhalation.

Breathing is an act of ventilating a respiratory surface with air. Breathing is usually accomplished through muscular movements that can be divided into inspiration (intake of air ) and expiration (outflow of air). The composition of inhaled air is 20.94 % oxygen, 0.04 % carbon dioxide, 79.02 % nitrogen and trace gases. The composition of exhaled air is 16.49 % oxygen, 4.49 % carbon dioxide, 79.02 % nitrogen and other trace gases. The nitrogen is an inert gas, during breathing, there is no change in nitrogen percentage in inhaled as compared to exhaled air.