Difference Between Breathing and Respiration

What Is Breathing?

Breathing is the physical, mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs.

Key Characteristics

• It consists of two different processes: inspiration, which is taking in or drawing air into the lungs, and expiration, which is throwing or expelling it out of the lungs.

• When breathing in the diaphragm, and the muscles between the ribs, pull down and apart to accommodate the thoracic cavity and to take in air into the lungs.

• During expiration, these muscles relax, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity thus forcing out air.

• Breathing is crucial for the release of energy to the cells to perform certain activities that are vital in supporting life.

What Is Respiration?

Respiration is a process of generating energy, whereby glucose becomes energy for the cell and releases carbon dioxide and water as wastes.

Key Characteristics

• Respiration involves two processes: aerobic respiration, which involves using oxygen to produce a generous amount of ATP in the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain.

• Second, anaerobic respiration which occurs without oxygen, produces a small amount of ATP. Hence produces substances like lactic acid or ethanol.

• Respiration is important in delivering oxygen to the blood and removal of carbon dioxide. Hence, it plays a critical role in the regulation of the body’s pH and respiratory processes.

Differences Between Breathing and Respiration

Some of the major differences between breathing and respiration are discussed below in the table:

Importance of Breathing and Respiration

The importance of breathing and respiration:

• Maintain oxygen supply: Breathing ensures a continuous supply of oxygen to the blood for proper functioning of the cells.

• Remove CO₂: Respiration removes carbon dioxide and prevents buildup of metabolic waste.

• Cellular energy for life processes: Oxygen supports cellular respiration, enabling cells to generate energy for metabolic processes.

• Maintain acid-base balance: By maintaining CO₂ levels in the body, it helps to keep the body's pH in normal range.

Breathing vs Respiration NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important topics for NEET are:

• Breathing vs Respiration

• Importance of breathing and respiration

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Breathing involves:

1. Inspiration

2. Respiration

3. Expiration

4. Both 1 and 3

Correct answer: 4) Both 1 and 3

Explanation:

As we have learned

Breathing is the process of air exchange between the atmosphere and the lungs, consisting of two main stages:

Inspiration: During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, while the intercostal muscles lift the ribcage, increasing the thoracic cavity's volume. This reduces the pressure inside the lungs, causing atmospheric air to flow into the alveoli.

Expiration: During expiration, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, and the intercostal muscles lower the ribcage, decreasing the thoracic cavity's volume. This increases the pressure inside the lungs, forcing the alveolar air out into the atmosphere.

These processes are vital for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal, ensuring efficient gas exchange in the body.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Both 1 and 3.

Q2. What is the significance of the negative pressure in human lungs during inspiration?

1. It helps to push air into the lungs

2. It creates a pressure gradient for the movement of air into the lungs

3. It prevents the collapse of the lungs

4. It has no significant role in the process of breathing

Correct answer: 2) It creates a pressure gradient for the movement of air into the lungs

Explanation:

The contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles in the human expands the thoracic cavity, producing negative pressure inside the lungs during inspiration. This makes the alveolar pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. This causes the pressure gradient between the atmosphere and the alveoli, which draws air into the lungs. When the air enters the lungs, the pressure inside and outside the lungs becomes equal. This facilitates the efficient exchange of gases when breathing.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) It creates a pressure gradient for the movement of air into the lungs.

Q3. Mark the correct pair of muscles involved in the normal breathing in humans

1. External and internal intercostal muscles

2. Diaphragm and abdominal muscles

3. Diaphragm and external intercostal muscles

4. Diaphragm and intercostal muscles

Correct answer: 4) Diaphragm and intercostal muscles

Explanation:

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles are essential for normal breathing in humans, facilitating the movement of air into and out of the lungs. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, increasing thoracic cavity volume, while the external intercostal muscles pull the ribs upward and outward, creating a pressure gradient that allows air to enter. During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome shape, and the intercostal muscles relax, reducing thoracic cavity volume and expelling air. This coordinated action ensures efficient oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Mechanism of Breathing

• Breathing and Exchange of Gases

• Lung Volumes and Lung Capacity

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