Breathing Cycle

Table of Contents

• Breathing Cycle
  • Inhalation of Oxygen
  • Exhalation of Carbon Dioxide
• Summary
• Did You Know?
• What’s Next?

In the previous segment, we learnt about Respiration. In this segment, we will learn about the breathing cycle.

What is the Breathing cycle?

Breathing is a process in which we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. One cycle of inhalation and exhalation is together called the breathing cycle.

Inhalation of oxygen

• The oxygen is inhaled through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.
• Once the oxygen is inhaled, it travels through the respiratory tract and reaches the lungs.
• From the lungs, oxygen is sent to the heart.
• The heart circulates the oxygen throughout the body via blood vessels.

Exhalation of carbon dioxide

• The carbon dioxide-rich blood reaches the heart through blood vessels.
• The heart pumps blood to the lungs.
• The carbon dioxide from the lungs is exhaled out through the nasal or oral cavity.

Summary

Breathing Cycle

One cycle of inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide

Did you know?

The lungs are the only organ that can float on water due to the presence of tiny air sacs called alveoli.