Expiration
Expiration (Medicine)
Expiration (pronounced as eks-pi-REY-shuhn) is a term used in medicine to describe the process of expelling air from the lungs. It is also commonly referred to as exhalation.
Etymology
The term "expiration" is derived from the Latin word "expirare" which means "to breathe out". It is composed of "ex-" meaning "out" and "spirare" meaning "to breathe".
Process
During expiration, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs) relax, causing the chest cavity to decrease in size. This decrease in volume increases the pressure in the thorax, forcing air out of the lungs. This process is largely passive, relying on the elastic recoil of the lungs and thoracic cage.
Related Terms
- Inhalation: The process of drawing air into the lungs.
- Respiration: The overall process of inhaling and exhaling air.
- Breathing: The process of taking in oxygen from the air and expelling carbon dioxide.
- Diaphragm (anatomy): The primary muscle used in the process of inhalation.
- Intercostal muscles: Muscles that are situated between the ribs and assist in respiration.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Expiration
- Wikipedia's article - Expiration
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