Hidden Secret of Breathing

Within the ribcage are the lungs which are closely associated to the bronchi. The bronchi merge into the trachea which is connected to the pharynx and then the nostrils. When we inhale, oxygen molecules travel down this path to the bronchi going into each lung. In the lung, the bronchi divide into many bronchioles. Oxygen travels through the bronchioles until it reaches the alveoli, which are surrounded by capillaries that carry blood and red blood cells. The oxygen molecules diffuse into the capillaries and are then taken up by the red blood cells. Carbon dioxide is moved from the capillaries into the alveolar chamber of the alveolus. When we exhale, our carbon dioxide rich air ravels outwards through the same path that oxygen came in.

This process is known as respiration. Watch a video on the science of respiration to understand the what happens on the inside when we breathe.