Ulospuhjiminen

Ulospuhjiminen refers to the act of exhaling, the outward flow of air from the lungs. In Finnish, it denotes the expiration phase of respiration. In everyday language it may describe blowing air out of the lungs during speaking, singing, or blowing out a candle. In medical and physiological contexts the more standard term is uloshengitys or expiration, the second phase of the respiratory cycle after sisäänhengitys (inhalation).

The mechanism differs between quiet breathing and forced exhalation. During quiet breathing the outward flow is largely passive: the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, and the lungs’ elastic recoil drives air out. In forced exhalation—as in speaking loudly, singing, coughing, or exercising—the abdominal and internal intercostal muscles actively contract to expel air more rapidly and completely.

Controlled exhalation is used in various practices to regulate breath, voice, and performance. In speech therapy, techniques emphasize exhalation control to improve breath support and speech fluency. In singing and wind-instrument performance, deliberate exhalation patterns support tone and endurance.

Clinical relevance lies in airway behavior during exhalation. Obstructions or diseases affecting expiratory flow, such as COPD or asthma, can alter the pattern or ease of ulospuhjiminen. In clinical assessment, spirometry measures exhaled air volume and flow, informing diagnosis and treatment. See also sisäänhengitys and uloshengitys.