Inhale and Exhale: Why Do We Need To Breathe?

Breathing is considered a vital survival function, but what exactly makes it so important?

Why Exactly Do We Need To Breathe?

According to Asthma + Lung UK, typical functions of the body require oxygen for execution. Muscle movement, food digestion, and even thinking all need sufficient oxygen. The American Museum of Natural History adds that oxygen helps with organism growth, reproduction, and food-to-energy conversion.

When such functions take place, the waste product carbon dioxide is produced. The lungs basically provide oxygen to the body and get rid of the carbon dioxide in it. Though other animals could breathe with different organs, they primarily get oxygen via respiration.

The brain relays signals to the muscles that are involved in breathing. It then adjusts one's breathing rate based on the level of activity. When a person is physically active, their breathing rate may reach as high as 40 to 60 times a minute in order to compensate for and cope with the physical demands. Oxygen delivery to the muscles also becomes faster, allowing them to be more efficient in getting the job done.

The increased breathing also ensures that carbon dioxide does not build up within the bloodstream.

The Canadian Lung Association notes that breathing is a function that people do not typically think about. In fact, one may inhale and exhale roughly 22,000 times in a single day.

Which Muscles Are Involved in Breathing?

Asthma + Lung UK notes that the diaphragm is the main muscle used for breathing. This particular organ divides the abdomen from the chest.

When a person breathes in, the diaphragm contracts, pulls the lungs down, and expands and stretches them. Lung tissues that are healthy tend to be elastic and springy. Hence, the muscles need to exert effort to expand the chest and take in air.

Air gets pulled into one's mouth or nose and into the windpipe, where the air is divided in order to supply both the left and right lungs.

Upon exhaling, the person is then brought to a dome position to reduce air quantities in the lungs. It is generally more passive, as the involved muscles are now relaxed.

During exercise, the abdominal muscles push air into the lungs when exhaling. This is known as forced expiration. Intercostal muscles, which are muscles between the ribs, also help maintain the stiffness of the ribcage and aid with respiration.

While breathing is typically an automatic function, one can choose to control it as well. This is evident when talking or singing, for instance.

As per the Canadian Lung Association, people who have a larger lung capacity are faster when it comes to sending oxygen to other body parts. It is also possible to boost lung capacity through regular exercise.

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