Breathing and respiration are two life-supporting processes that work together to provide energy to the human body. Every movement we make—walking, thinking, writing, running, or even sleeping—depends on these processes. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, breathing and respiration are not the same.
Breathing is the physical process of taking in oxygen-rich air and giving out carbon dioxide-rich air. It involves organs like the nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm. On the other hand, respiration is a chemical process that occurs inside body cells, where oxygen is used to break down food and release energy.
Oxygen taken in during breathing travels through the blood to every cell in the body. Inside the cells, respiration converts the energy stored in food into a usable form. Without respiration, cells would not get energy, and without breathing, respiration would not get oxygen.
This article is a complete, student-friendly guide that explains:
- What breathing and respiration are
- Organs involved in breathing
- Inhalation and exhalation
- Cellular respiration
- Differences between breathing and respiration
- Importance of oxygen and lungs
It is ideal for school students, beginners, and general learners worldwide.
What Is Breathing?
Breathing is the mechanical process by which air is taken into the lungs and expelled from them.
Breathing involves two steps:
1. Inhalation – Taking in oxygenBreathing supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide, a waste gas.
Organs Involved in Breathing (Respiratory System)
1. Nose
The nose is the entry point of air.
Functions:
- Filters dust and germs
- Moistens air
- Warms air before it enters lungs
2. Trachea (Windpipe)
The trachea carries air from the nose to the lungs.
Functions:
- Provides a clear air passage
- Supported by cartilage rings to stay open
3. Lungs
The lungs are spongy organs located in the chest cavity.
Functions:
- Exchange of gases
- Oxygen enters blood
- Carbon dioxide leaves blood
Humans have:
- Right lung
- Left lung
4. Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscular sheet below the lungs.
Functions:
- Controls inhalation and exhalation
- Changes chest cavity volume
Process of Breathing
Inhalation (Breathing In)
During inhalation:
- Diaphragm moves downward
- Chest cavity expands
- Lungs fill with air
- Oxygen enters the lungs
Exhalation (Breathing Out)
During exhalation:
- Diaphragm moves upward
- Chest cavity contracts
- Air is pushed out of lungs
- Carbon dioxide is released
What Is Respiration?
Respiration is the biochemical process by which cells use oxygen to break down food and release energy.
This energy is required for:
- Growth
- Movement
- Repair
- Maintenance of body temperature
Types of Respiration
1. Aerobic Respiration
Occurs in the presence of oxygen.
Products:
- Energy
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
Example: Respiration in humans
2. Anaerobic Respiration
Occurs without oxygen.
Products:
- Less energy
- Lactic acid (in muscles)
Example: Heavy exercise, yeast fermentation
Respiration at Cellular Level
Inside cells:
- Oxygen reacts with glucose
- Energy is released
- Carbon dioxide is produced as waste
Equation (simple form):
Glucose + Oxygen → Energy + Carbon dioxide + Water
Difference Between Breathing and Respiration
| Feature | Breathing | Respiration |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Physical process | Chemical process |
| Location | Lungs | Cells |
| Energy release | No | Yes |
| Oxygen use | Intake only | Used to release energy |
| Control | Voluntary & involuntary | Involuntary |
Importance of Oxygen
Oxygen is essential because:
- It releases energy from food
- It supports cellular functions
- It keeps organs working properly
Lack of oxygen can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Brain damage
- Death
Role of Blood in Breathing and Respiration
- Oxygen is carried by hemoglobin in red blood cells
- Blood transports oxygen from lungs to cells
- Carbon dioxide is carried back to lungs
How Breathing and Respiration Are Connected
- Breathing supplies oxygen
- Respiration uses oxygen
- Respiration releases energy
- Energy supports life processes
Common Breathing and Respiratory Problems
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Shortness of breath
How to Keep the Respiratory System Healthy
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Practice deep breathing
- Eat healthy food
- Avoid polluted air
FAQs – Breathing and Respiration
1. Is breathing the same as respiration?
No. Breathing is physical, respiration is chemical.
2. Where does respiration occur?
Inside body cells.
3. Why is oxygen important?
It helps release energy from food.
4. Which organ controls breathing?
The diaphragm.
5. What gas do we breathe out?
Carbon dioxide.
6. Does respiration occur all the time?
Yes, day and night.
7. What happens during inhalation?
Oxygen-rich air enters lungs.
8. What is aerobic respiration?
Respiration using oxygen.
9. Can humans do anaerobic respiration?
Yes, during heavy exercise in muscles.
10. Why do lungs expand and contract?
To allow air movement during breathing.
