Breathing

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Breathing is the process of inhaling Oxygen and exhaling Carbon Dioxide.

About Breathing

To breath the lungs must be able to take in new air and release the old air.

When the lungs take in air this is called inhalation.

When the lungs get rid of old air this is called exhalation.

To inhale the diaphragm contracts and goes down while the intercostal muscles contract pulling the ribs upwards and outwards. To exhale the diaphragm relaxes and goes up while the intercostal muscles relax allowing the ribs to go down and inward.

An animation of the lungs inhaling and exhaling.