Breath Practice and Physiological Functions of Breathing, Part II
1. Being that fluids like gases shift from areas of high pressure to low pressure, the lungs then fill up with outer air.
2. Taking a breath in, an individual experiences being in the respiratory zone. At this time, there's the occurrence of gas exchange from the lungs.
3. Blood will transport oxygen to the body's cells.
4. By 2 actions, oxygen is carried in the blood:
1) Oxygen attaches to hemoglobin, a protein molecule that is present in red blood cells. This action will persist through oxygen's attachment to this molecule, traveling around the body through the bloodstream, and being delivered to the body's cells.
2) Remaining oxygen is dissolved in the plasma, a base of liquidity for the entire body.
5. Plasma carries water, salts, and enzymes while transporting nutrients, hormones, and proteins to parts of the body where necessary.
6. It is of importance that the respiratory and circulatory systems work harmoniously together for optimal oxygen delivery to the body's cells.
7. When hemoglobin is completely established with oxygen, it's time for its process of delivery to the body's cells by transport of the bloodstream.
8. Oxygen highly benefits active tissues of the body, such as the brain, heart, and muscles and these tissues are always avidly awaiting more oxygen because they burn through it rapidly.
9. Hemoglobin releases oxygen to the body's cells.
10. The combination of activities during all processes produces other triggers in the form of waste production, particularly heat, and carbon dioxide or CO2. CO2 is a waste product that is created as a byproduct of metabolic activity. CO2 is also vital as it assists to maintain the respiratory drive and assists in maintaining the pH ranges of the blood.
11. An imbalance in CO2 levels may affect blood pressure, energy, and heart rate and can exasperate the nervous system, affecting an individual's ability to be calm and focused.
12. With oxygen already delivered, and red blood cells loaded with CO2, the blood will be transported back toward the lungs for the CO2 to be expelled and breathed out, allowing a new cycle of freshly inhaled oxygen into the lungs beginning all the initial processes once again.
This information is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute or definitive to replace physicians' care.