Hengitysvuoro

Hengitysvuoro is a term used in Finnish to refer to the respiratory cycle—the sequence of breathing events from the start of one inhalation to the end of the following exhalation. It encompasses the flow of air into and out of the lungs and the associated physiological processes that sustain gas exchange.

The process is coordinated by the brainstem, with higher brain centers modulating rate and depth in response to metabolic needs. Chemoreceptors monitor levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen, adjusting breathing to maintain blood pH and oxygenation. The mechanical aspects involve lung compliance, airway resistance, and the activity of respiratory muscles such as the diaphragm and intercostals. In typical resting conditions, the cycle includes an inhalation phase driven by muscle contraction and an exhalation phase largely due to elastic recoil; during more intense activity, expiratory muscles can actively contribute to expiration.

Inhalation (inspiration) is usually active, allowing air to fill the lungs, while exhalation (expiration) is often passive but can become active during exercise or respiratory disorders. The duration and depth of breaths vary with age, fitness, health, and activity level. Common measurements related to the hengitysvuoro in clinical and research settings include tidal volume, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation, with additional assessments such as spirometry to evaluate lung function.

Relevance extends across medicine, physiology, and sports science, where understanding the breathing cycle helps assess respiratory health, exercise tolerance, and the effectiveness of interventions targeting the lungs and airways.