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Breathing

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...

Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration

Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration

Introduction to Inspiration: The Respiratory System in Action
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...

Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration

Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration

The Physiology of Expiration: A Seamless Respiratory Process
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:

Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles

Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles

The Role of Accessory Muscles in the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract.

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways

Published on: May 9, 2016

Breathing room for early animals

¹Botanical Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

|July 11, 1996

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

An increase in atmospheric oxygen during the Neoproterozoic era may have enabled the evolution of complex animal life. This pivotal environmental shift likely facilitated the diversification of multicellular animals.

Keywords:

NASA Discipline Exobiology Non-NASA Center

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Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Published on: September 16, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways

A Microfluidic Model of Biomimetically Breathing Pulmonary Acinar Airways

Published on: May 9, 2016

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography

Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography

Published on: July 10, 2018

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Published on: September 16, 2019

Area of Science:

Geoscience
Paleontology
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

The Neoproterozoic era (1,000 to 543 million years ago) witnessed significant environmental changes on Earth.
A key question in evolutionary biology is the trigger for the diversification of multicellular animals.

Discussion:

This research explores the hypothesis that rising atmospheric oxygen levels were a critical factor enabling animal diversification.
Investigating the link between atmospheric oxygenation and the emergence of complex life forms.

Key Insights:

Evidence suggests a correlation between Neoproterozoic oxygenation events and the appearance of early animal fossils.
Increased oxygen availability likely supported higher metabolic rates necessary for complex multicellularity.

Outlook:

Further research is needed to precisely quantify oxygen levels and their direct impact on specific animal lineages.
Understanding this ancient oxygenation event provides insights into the environmental constraints on early animal evolution.