External respiration
External Respiration
External respiration (pronounced: ex-ter-nal res-pi-ra-tion) is a process in the respiratory system where oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled out. The term originates from the Latin words "externus" meaning "outside" and "respirare" meaning "to breathe".
Process
External respiration involves the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the lungs. Oxygen from the atmosphere is inhaled into the lungs, where it diffuses into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, diffuses from the bloodstream into the lungs and is exhaled into the atmosphere.
Factors Affecting External Respiration
Several factors can affect the efficiency of external respiration, including the concentration of gases in the atmosphere and the lungs, the surface area available for gas exchange in the lungs, and the diffusion distance in the lungs. Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can also affect external respiration.
Related Terms
- Internal respiration: The exchange of gases between the bloodstream and body cells.
- Cellular respiration: The process by which cells use oxygen to produce energy from food.
- Respiratory system: The group of organs and tissues that allow us to breathe.
- Pulmonary ventilation: The act of breathing, which includes both inhalation and exhalation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on External respiration
- Wikipedia's article - External respiration
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