Definition
Chest breathing (thoracic breathing) is a form of external respiration. It is used to exchange breathable air by ventilating the lungs (ventilation). In chest breathing, this ventilation takes place by expanding and contracting the thorax.
In this form of breathing, the ribs are visibly raised and lowered, and they also move outwards. Their movements are caused by the tension (contraction) and relaxation of the intercostal muscles. Unconsciously, a mixture of chest breathing and the other form of breathing, abdominal breathing, is usually used. Learn more about this under: The human respiration
How does chest breathing work?
Chest breathing (thoracic breathing) is used for external respiration and thus for the exchange of breath. In contrast, internal respiration is a form of energy production at the cellular level. External respiration serves to supply the body with vital oxygen.
At the same time carbon dioxide, which is produced during the energy production of the cells, is released into the environment. The exchange of breathing air takes place in the lungs. In order for it to take place without problems, the lungs must always be adequately ventilated.
In the case of chest breathing, this occurs through the interaction of expansion and contraction of the thorax. The ribs and intercostal muscles are mainly involved in this process. In cases of increased oxygen demand or acute respiratory distress, the so-called respiratory assist muscles also support the movement of the thorax.
During inhalation (inspiration), the outer intercostal muscles (Musculus intercostalus externus) contract. As a result, the ribs are lifted and turned outwards. The thorax expands.
Since the lung is connected to the thorax via the pleura, it follows this movement. So the lung also becomes wider, its volume increases. This creates a negative pressure.
More air now flows into the lungs via the airways to compensate for the negative pressure. This is where the actual inhalation takes place. Exhalation (expiration) is possible during normal, unstrained breathing without supporting muscles.
The lung has a so-called inherent elasticity. This means that it consists of tissue that strives to contract as much as possible. If the outer intercostal muscles relax, the lung is no longer held far.
It follows its own elasticity and contracts. This creates an overpressure that drives the air out of the lungs. Exhalation therefore takes place.
Normal, unconscious breathing consists of a mixture of chest breathing and abdominal breathing. External respiration serves to supply the body with vital oxygen. At the same time carbon dioxide, which is produced during the energy production of the cells, is released into the environment.
The exchange of breathing air takes place in the lungs. In order for it to take place without problems, the lungs must always be adequately ventilated. In the case of chest breathing, this occurs through the interaction of expansion and contraction of the thorax.
The ribs and intercostal muscles are mainly involved in this process. In cases of increased oxygen demand or acute respiratory distress, the so-called respiratory assist muscles also support the movement of the thorax. Normal, unconscious breathing consists of a mixed form of chest breathing and abdominal breathing.
- During inhalation (inspiration), the external intercostal muscles (Musculus intercostalus externus) contract. As a result, the ribs are lifted and turned outwards. The thorax expands.
Since the lung is connected to the thorax via the pleura, it follows this movement. So the lung also becomes wider, its volume increases. This creates a negative pressure.
More air now flows into the lungs via the airways to compensate for the negative pressure. This is where the actual inhalation takes place. – Exhalation (expiration) is possible during normal, unstrained breathing without supporting muscles.
The lung has a so-called inherent elasticity. This means that it consists of tissue that strives to contract as much as possible. If the outer intercostal muscles relax, the lung is no longer held far.
It follows its own elasticity and contracts. This creates an overpressure that drives the air out of the lungs. Exhalation therefore takes place.
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