Understanding the mechanics of human respiration
Overview of the mechanics of the lungs and rib and diaphragm muscles involved in human respiration.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
-
NASAThe Boeing-built Lunar Roving Vehicle transported astronauts and equipment across the Moon during the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.For centuries, people believed that all colors were a mixture of black and white. How did we learn otherwise?
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Video overview of the possible causes of the megalodon's extinction.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Lungs need the help of red blood cells to circulate oxygen throughout your body.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.In a circuit through the cardiovascular system, red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and carry carbon dioxide from the body tissues back to the lungs.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzLearn about sleep apnea and its health effects through a study conducted at the Leipzig's University Hospital.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn about tissue damage, in the forms of bronchitis and emphysema, that is evident when normal lung tissue is compared with lung tissue of light and heavy smokers.
Transcript
NARRATOR: A passageway connects the lungs to the outside world [music in], exiting at the nose and mouth.
Lungs are elastic--they can be expanded and contracted.
When we inhale, muscles across the ribs and especially the muscles of the diaphragm pull in unison to enlarge the chest cavity, which in turn expands the lungs. This creates a partial vacuum in the lungs and outside air rushes in to equalize the pressure.
When we exhale, the rib and diaphragm muscles relax--returning the chest cavity and the lungs to their resting position. This motion squeezes the air back out again.
[Music out]
Lungs are elastic--they can be expanded and contracted.
When we inhale, muscles across the ribs and especially the muscles of the diaphragm pull in unison to enlarge the chest cavity, which in turn expands the lungs. This creates a partial vacuum in the lungs and outside air rushes in to equalize the pressure.
When we exhale, the rib and diaphragm muscles relax--returning the chest cavity and the lungs to their resting position. This motion squeezes the air back out again.
[Music out]