The Process of Respiration (Part - 1)

Respiration: Types, ATP, Human Respiratory System, Videos, Examples

 

              "Respiration is a process where food is broken down into Carbon dioxide, water and energy (in the form of ATP)." This is the basic and non-concrete definition of respiration. But now let's move it to a higher level - "Respiration is a process where respiratory substrates are oxidised to form energy in the form of ATP, Carbon dioxide and water vapor." OH MY GOD! Have I used too many biological terms. Well, yes but don't worry I'll explain it to you.

              From the above statement respiratory substrates means the food materials used i.e, glucose and fatty acids to oxidised (addition of oxygen to ant substance) to form energy and other products. Now we know the definition of respiration. Let's look how it actually occurs and the science behind it.

              Respiration comes from a Latin word 'respire' which means 'to breathe'. Years ago, Lavoisier (a scientist) found out that we breathe in specific air (oxygen), and called it Respirable Air (oxygen was yet to be discovered). He also found that we breathe out specific air (carbon dioxide). He called this air Chalky Acid/Fixed Air.      

              Respiration is a process that involves many processes and not just breathing in and out. When we breathe in the air moves from our surroundings to our nostrils (opening of nose) then it moves to the space or gap present in our nose called nasal cavity. This nasal cavity has blood vessels, mucous layer and hairs present at its boundaries. Mucous (the slimy substance) and hairs purify and filter the air from bacterias and dust particles. The Blood Vessels helps to maintain the temperature of air. 

              Then the air moves to Pharynx - this is the common passage for food and air. Now, you may ask why doesn't the food enter the rest of air path? The simple answer is that, there is a flap like structure present to prevent food or water to enter air passage. Then the food moves into wind pipe or trachea. Then air goes into Bronchi (singular Bronchus). This Bronchi goes into lungs. The bronchi is divided into bronchioles (root like structure arising from bronchi).

              This Bronchioles are divided to primary, secondary, tertiary, terminal bronchioles. At the end of each bronchioles a sack like structure called alveoli is present. Here, alveoli is supplied with blood vessels. The blood brings deoxygenated blood for oxygenation. The Hemoglobin present in RBC's of blood is filled with carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin with carbon dioxide is called carbomino-hemoglobin. In alveoli, the carbomino hemoglobin breaks down to hemoglobin and carbon dioxide. 

              The oxygen in alveoli moves into hemoglobin, which is now called oxyhemoglobin. The carbon dioxide moves from blood vessels to alveoli. The blood is now moved to heart for pumping to different places in body. The carbon dioxide and other gasses move out through the same air passage.

              Fact: Percentage of air breathed in is - 21%oxygen, 0.004%Carbon dioxide, 78%nitrogen.  The air we breathe out contains about 16%oxygen, 4.4%carbon dioxide and 78%nitrogen.

 

                                       -Blog by Daksh Bawgiker


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