hingetõmmete

Hingetõmmete, a term derived from Estonian, directly translates to "breathing in" or "inhalation" in English. It refers to the physiological process by which air is drawn into the lungs. This action is crucial for life, as it allows the body to take in oxygen, which is essential for cellular respiration and energy production. During inhalation, the diaphragm, a large muscle located at the base of the chest cavity, contracts and flattens. Simultaneously, the external intercostal muscles between the ribs contract, pulling the rib cage upward and outward. These combined actions increase the volume of the thoracic cavity, which in turn decreases the pressure within the lungs. Consequently, air flows from the higher atmospheric pressure outside the body into the lower pressure within the lungs. The lungs themselves are elastic and expand passively to fill the increased space. This fundamental process is an involuntary reflex controlled by the respiratory center in the brainstem, though it can also be consciously influenced to some extent. The rate and depth of hingetõmmete can vary significantly depending on factors such as physical activity, emotional state, and environmental conditions.