Väljahingamisele

Väljahingamisele is the Estonian allative form of the noun väljahingamine, which means exhalation or the act of breathing out. In Estonian grammar, the allative case expresses direction toward something, so väljahingamisele can be used to indicate movement or attention toward exhalation, for example keskenduda väljahingamisele (“to focus on exhalation”).

Väljahingamine (exhalation) is the phase of respiration during which air exits the lungs. In quiet breathing, it is typically a passive process driven by the elastic recoil of the lungs and thoracic cage after inhalation. The duration and depth of exhalation contribute to the overall pattern of ventilation and gas exchange.

Active exhalation occurs when a stronger expulsion of air is required, such as during exercise, speaking, singing, coughing, or bronchial clearance. This involves contraction of the abdominal muscles and, to a lesser extent, the internal intercostal muscles to reduce thoracic volume and push air out more rapidly.

Physiological function: exhalation completes the respiratory cycle, enabling continued gas exchange by removing carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. The rate and depth of exhalation influence alveolar ventilation and arterial CO2 levels, and are regulated by neural and chemical feedback mechanisms in the brainstem.

Clinical and applied aspects: breathing techniques that emphasize exhalation, such as diaphragmatic or pursed-lip breathing, are used to improve ventilation in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to promote relaxation. In singing and wind instruments, controlled exhalation is essential for tone, endurance, and airflow management.

See also: inhalation.