Difference Between Inhalation and Exhalation

The main difference between inhalation and exhalation is that inhalation is a process of taking air or oxygen into the lungs while exhalation is a process of expelling air or carbon dioxide through the lungs.

inhalation versus exhalation

Breathing is a characteristic of life. All living organisms breathe to obtain useful gases and release harmful gases from the body. The entry of air or oxygen into the lungs is known as inhalation, while the process of releasing carbon dioxide is known as exhalation. A single breath comprises a complete inhalation and exhalation process. The respiratory rate varies from person to person and according to their daily activities. The average respiratory rate of a common person is 15 to 18 times per minute. During intense exercise or running, etc., it can increase 25 times per minute. The volume of the lungs increases during inhalation while the exhalation process deflates them. The diaphragm also plays its role in breathing.

Comparison chart

What is inhalation?

Inhalation is also known as inspiration and is called an “inhalation.” It happens automatically and can be consciously controlled but within certain limits. Inhalation is part of the respiratory cycle. It involves the entry of air through the nostrils. The oxygen-rich air passes through the nasal cavity and reaches the lungs. The lungs are located in the chest cavity and are surrounded by the rib cage. The diaphragm, which is a large muscular sheet located at the bottom of the cavity. During inhalation, when air reaches the lungs, the diaphragm contracts and moves down. So, it increases the space in the chest cavity and provides room for the lungs to expand. The internal intercostal muscles of the ribs relax while the external costal muscles contract during inhalation. It pulls the rib cage up and out and increases the space of the chest cavity. From the lungs, oxygen after passing through the bronchi reaches the alveoli. Oxygen or air reaches the blood vessels by passing through the thin walls of the alveoli. Hemoglobin in blood vessels carries oxygen and moves it throughout the body.

What is exhalation?

Exhalation is also known as “breathing out.” This process is completely opposite to the inhalation process. The volume of the lungs decreases. The diaphragm relaxes and becomes dome-shaped. The intercostal muscles of the rib cage also relax. So all of these things combine to reduce the size of the chest cavity. These steps force carbon dioxide-rich air out of the lungs and trachea and finally out of the body through the nose.

Key differences

1. A process of drawing air into the lungs is known as inhalation, while a process of releasing air through the lungs is known as exhalation.
2. Inhalation is an active process, while exhalation is a passive process.
3. Inhalation involves the intake of air that is made up of excess oxygen and nitrogen, while exhalation involves the elimination of air rich in carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
4. The volume of the lungs increases during inhalation, but the volume of the lungs decreases during exhalation.
5. The diaphragm contracts during inhalation while it relaxes during exhalation.
6. Due to the movement of the intercostal muscles, the rib cage moves up and out during inhalation, while it moves down during exhalation.
7. The chest cavity space increases during inhalation while it decreases during exhalation.

From the above discussion, it is concluded that inhalation is an “inhalation” process in which the lungs take in oxygen-rich air, while exhalation is an “exhalation” process in which the lungs release carbon dioxide-rich air. carbon through the body.