Hingamisliigutus

Hingamisliigutus refers to the physiological process of breathing, encompassing both inhalation and exhalation. It is a fundamental life function that allows for the exchange of gases, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment. This movement is controlled by a complex interplay of muscles and neural signals.

The primary muscles involved in the normal resting breathing are the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, while the external intercostal muscles contract, lifting the rib cage upward and outward. This increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, leading to a decrease in pressure within the lungs and causing air to flow in.

Exhalation, at rest, is largely a passive process. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, allowing the elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall to decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity. This increases the pressure within the lungs, forcing air out. Forced exhalation, such as during exercise or coughing, involves the active contraction of abdominal and internal intercostal muscles to expel air more forcefully.

The rate and depth of breathing are regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem, which responds to changes in blood carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, as well as other factors. This finely tuned mechanism ensures that the body's metabolic needs for oxygen are met and carbon dioxide is efficiently removed. The smooth and coordinated action of these muscles and neural controls constitutes the breathing movement.