◄    RESPIRATION    ►

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Understanding breathing involves much more than the mechanics of moving air in and out of the lungs. It involves virtually every cell in the body. The whole of us is breathing at all times. We regulate our fundamental biochemistry, and the mindfulness (psychology) that accompanies it, through breathing. In essence we breathe with our whole bodies, not just with our lungs. We can conveniently, from a physiological perspective, divide respiration into three spheres of discourse:

1. CELLULAR RESPIRATION:

● Cells create energy by breaking down adenosine triphosphate, ATP.

● Cellular respiration is the utilization of O₂ for the synthesis of ATP.

● Glucose (sugar) provides the energy required for O₂ utilization.

Click here to learn more about cellular respiration.

2. EXTERNAL RESPIRATION:

● It means transporting O₂ from the atmosphere to the lungs.

● It means ensuring the diffusion of O₂ into the pulmonary capillary bed.

● It means excreting CO₂ into the lungs and transporting it to the atmosphere.

● It means ensuring proper reallocation of CO₂ to arterial systemic blood.

(It means healthy moment to moment acid-base regulation)

Click here to learn more about external respiration.

3. INTERNAL RESPIRATION:

● It is about transporting O₂, to the tissue cells from the lungs.

● It is about transporting CO₂ from tissue cells to the lungs.

● It is about regulating acid-base (pH) physiology.

Click here to learn more about internal respiration.

Copyrighted by Behavioral Physiology Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico USA