Breath
Respiration (Latin: respiratio) is the main form of dissimilation in animals, plants and many microorganisms. Respiration is a physiological process that ensures the normal course of metabolism (metabolism and energy) of living organisms and helps maintain homeostasis (constancy of the internal environment) by receiving oxygen (O2) from the environment and releasing some of the body’s metabolic products (CO2, H2O and others) into the environment in a gaseous state. Depending on the intensity of metabolism, a person releases on average about 5 – 18 liters of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 50 grams of water per hour through the lungs. And with them – about 400 other impurities of volatile compounds, including acetone. During the process of respiration, substances rich in chemical energy belonging to the body are oxidized to energy-poor end products (carbon dioxide and water), using molecular oxygen for this.
External and cellular respiration
External respiration is understood as gas exchange between the organism and the environment, including the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide, as well as the transport of these gases within the organism through the system of respiratory tubes (tracheal-breathing insects) or in the circulatory system.
Cellular respiration includes biochemical processes of transporting proteins through cell membranes; as well as oxidation in the mitochondria, leading to the transformation of chemical energy of food.
In organisms with large surface areas in contact with the external environment, respiration can occur due to the diffusion of gases directly to the cells through pores (for example, in plant leaves, in cavity animals). With a small relative surface area, gas transport is carried out due to blood circulation (in vertebrates and others) or in the trachea (in insects).
Volume of air absorbed
An adult, at rest, makes an average of 14 respiratory movements per minute. At the same time, the respiratory rate can undergo significant fluctuations (from 10 to 18 per minute). In children, the respiratory rate is 20-30 respiratory movements per minute; in infants – 30-40; in newborns – 40-60.
During one inhalation (in a calm state), 400-500 ml of air enters the lungs. This volume of air is called the tidal volume (TV). The same amount of air enters the atmosphere from the lungs during a calm exhalation. The deepest inhalation is about 2000 ml of air. The maximum exhalation is also about 2000 ml.
After the maximum exhalation, about 1500 ml of air remains in the lungs, called the residual volume of the lungs. After a calm exhalation, about 3000 ml remains in the lungs. This volume of air is called the functional residual capacity (FRC) of the lungs.
Thanks to FRC, a relatively constant ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide is maintained in the alveolar air, since FRC is several times greater than RV. Only 2/3 of RV reaches the alveoli, which is called the alveolar ventilation volume.
An adult (with a respiratory volume of 0.5 liters and a frequency of 14 respiratory movements per minute) passes 7 liters of air through the lungs per minute. In a state of physical exertion, the minute respiratory volume can reach 120 liters per minute.
With calm breathing, the ratio of inhalation and exhalation in time is 1:1.3.
The role and importance of breathing
Without breathing, a person can usually survive for 5-7 minutes, after which loss of consciousness, irreversible changes in the brain and death occur.
Breathing is one of the few abilities of the body that can be controlled consciously and unconsciously. With frequent and shallow breathing, the excitability of the nerve centers increases, and with deep breathing, on the contrary, it decreases.
Types of breathing: deep and shallow, frequent and rare, upper, middle (thoracic) and lower (abdominal).
Special types of breathing movements are observed during hiccups and laughter.
Heart rhythm
We are accustomed to the work of the heart, we do not notice our heart rhythm, but the heart does a colossal job. Therefore, we should listen to its needs, help it, combine physical activity with adequate rest to maintain a normal heart rhythm.
If the heart loses its rhythm, this indicates that something is wrong in the body and you should reconsider your lifestyle. Constant worries have a negative effect on the heart. This applies to those people who take responsibility for the world around them.
Therefore, most often, male leaders suffer from heart disease. You need to love your work, you need to harness yourself to the cause, but you do not need to “root for the cause”, because our heart will hurt. Throw other people’s problems out of your life and your heart will thank you with a clear rhythm.
Breathing method to calm the heart rate “4-7-8”
Breathing can help regulate the heart rate. A simple exercise will help you do this.
Inhale through your nose for four counts, hold your breath for seven counts, exhale through a half-open mouth for eight counts. After five cycles, your heart rate will calm down.
