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Don't Hold Your Breath: Volume II

by Jennafer Ross
Jen is a physical therapist and teaches at our studio.

In our last newsletter, we discussed the anatomy of breath, examining how the muscles of respiration work. In this edition, we will look at the anatomy of the lungs and what happens to oxygen when it enters the lungs.

The lungs are organs where respiration (the exchange of blood gasses) takes place. Healthy lung tissue is light, soft, and spongy. On a complete inspiration, the lungs extend from just above the clavicle to just above your waist. There are three sections, or lobes, to the right lung and two to the left lung (to make room for the heart).

When you inhale, the air flows down a tube called the trachea. The trachea then divides into two main branches called bronchi, which go to the right and left lungs. The bronchi continue to divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which send air to the alveoli. These are very small, bubble-shaped spaces which are surrounded by capillaries... very tiny blood vessels. It is helpful to visualize the respiratory system as an upside down tree. The oxygen from the air that we breathe flows into the blood, while the carbon dioxide that was in the blood diffuses into the lungs. We exhale carbon dioxide.

The heart's job is to pump blood from the veins (without oxygen) to the lungs. When that blood is oxygenated, it is pumped back to the heart, and the heart sends it throughout the body. Your cells rely on oxygen to make energy.

There tends to be a higher concentration of capillaries in the lowest lobes of the lungs, due to the effects of gravity on the body. Breathing deeply, and using the diaphragm to draw the breath into the lowest lobes of the lungs allows oxygen to permeate a greater percentage of blood. Because more oxygen is getting into the blood, you won't need to breathe as often. Chest breathers often have more shallow and rapid breath patterns than belly breathers. More efficient respiration means less work on the heart as well. If the blood has a higher concentration of oxygen, the heart won't have to circulate it as frequently. Diaphragm breathing will often lower the heart rate (beats per minute) as well as the respiratory rate (breaths per minute). Diaphragm breathing is more efficient for your body in many ways.

In our next issue, we will explore the effects of breathing on the nervous system. But don't hold your breath...

NAMASTE