Breathing and respiration are inevitable, and involuntary actions performed by all living organisms to survive. In the scientific world, breathing and respiration are two different activities that our bodies perform. Yet, in our day to day lives, we use breathing as the synonym of respiration.
This is an easy misconception due to the fact that both breathing and respiration take place due to the same organs like lungs, nose, mouth, etc. We also think they are the same as both of them are related to the use and inhalation of the oxygen in our body. In reality, they are a bit different.
Breathing vs Respiration
The main difference between breathing and respiration is their function. Breathing is the activity wherein we inhale the oxygen in and exhale the carbon dioxide out. Whereas, respiration is basically a chemical reaction. In respiration, the oxygen in the body breaks down glucose.
Glucose is then used by the cells of our body to produce energy. This energy lets us function in our daily life. Even though breathing and respiration are the activities related to the lungs, they are different. Breathing is a physical process, but respiration is a chemical process. Breathing leads to the process of respiration.
Through respiration, we can function efficiently daily. Respiration also assures that our organs are in vital condition.
Comparison Table Between Breathing and Respiration (in Tabular Form)
| Parameters of comparison | Breathing | Respiration |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Breathing involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. | Respiration involves the process wherein the oxygen is used to break the glucose into energy to be later used by the cells of the body. |
| Used by | Breathing happens in the lungs. | Respiration takes place in the cells of the body. |
| Process | Breathing is a physical process. | Respiration is basically a chemical process. |
| Energy | During breathing, there is no energy production. | Energy is produced during the respiration process in the form of ATP. |
| Cells | It is an extracellular process as it takes place outside the cells. | This is basically an intracellular process that takes place in the cells. |
| Enzymes | Not in use at the time of breathing. | Used in large numbers. |
| Organs | Breathing happens due to the nose, lungs, etc. | Cells, mitochondria- cell organelles carry out the process of respiration. |
What is Breathing?
Breathing is the process wherein a living being exchanges gases in the environment with the cells in the body. Breathing is a physical process in which the oxygen is inhaled, and the carbon dioxide is exhaled.
The inhaling takes place due to the contraction of the muscles, and the exhaling takes place due to the relaxation of the muscle. Organs like mouth, nose, lungs, etc. assist in the process of breathing.
During the exhalation of the carbon dioxide, the diaphragm relaxes, which in turn causes the volume of the thoracic cavity to decrease.
Simultaneously, the pressure in it increases, which leads to the lungs to contract, and hence the air is forced out of the body.
On the other hand, while we inhale, the lungs contract and pull the ribcage upwards and outward.
Because of this, the lungs expand, and through the nose and mouth, we take the air in. The air then travels through the windpipe and reaches the lungs.
There are different types of breathing, which are: eupnoea, diaphragmatic, hyperpnoea, and costal breathing.
Types of Breathing
#1 Eupnoea
It is the type of breathing that is called as slow breathing. It happens while the body is at rest.it happens involuntarily.
#2 Hyperpnoea
This type of breathing occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the body. For example, the hard labored breathing after an intense workout session.
#3 Diaphragmatic
This type of breathing occurs when the diaphragm contracts. While breathing, the chest doesn’t show any action; rather, the breathing is done by the abdomen. There is a visible activity in the abdomen.
#4 Costal
Costal breathing is also called as the shallow breathing that needs the intercostals muscles to contract. Intercostals muscles are the muscles usually used while inhaling.
In costal breathing, the ribcage is used to both inhale as well as exhale.
What is Respiration?
Respiration is the process by which the oxygen in the body is converted to glucose, and the carbon dioxide and other gases are released from the cells and tissues.
The oxygen is used to break down glucose to produce energy.
This energy is then used by the cells and tissues of the body for the vital function of the organs and, overall, our body and its functions.
Respiration is a chemical process that occurs in the cells and mitochondria. Many enzymes are involved in the process of respiration.
The energy produced during respiration helps the cells to grow and repair it.
Main Differences Between Breathing and Respiration
Conclusion
Both the breathing and respiration are interrelated. Breathing and respiration are processes that go hand in hand to facilitate body functions.
Breathing takes place for the respiration to happen, and the bi-products created by respiration are exhaled by breathing.
Hence, though they are two different activities, they are both essential for the survival of any living organism.
References
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