uloshengittämisestä

Uloshengittäminen, also known as exhalation or expiration, is a fundamental part of the respiratory process in many living organisms, including humans. It is the act of expelling air from the lungs. This process is typically involuntary, meaning it occurs automatically without conscious effort, although it can also be controlled voluntarily to a certain extent.

During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, and the intercostal muscles contract, lifting the rib cage upward and outward. This increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, drawing air into the lungs. In contrast, during passive exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, and the intercostal muscles relax, allowing the rib cage to move downward and inward. This decrease in the volume of the thoracic cavity increases the pressure within the lungs, forcing air out.

Active exhalation, which is used during activities like speaking, singing, or strenuous exercise, involves the contraction of additional muscles, such as the abdominal muscles and internal intercostal muscles. These muscles further reduce the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing for a more forceful expulsion of air.

The air expelled during exhalation is rich in carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, and also contains less oxygen than inhaled air. The efficient removal of carbon dioxide through exhalation is crucial for maintaining the body's pH balance and overall metabolic function.