Kinesiology of respiration

The primary function of the respiration is the gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the blood. Respiration includes ventilation, which takes place in the lungs within the interaction which sternum, ribs, vertebrae, and muscles surrounding the thorax. The nose, pharynx, and larynx are the parts of the upper airways. Upper airways are responsible for warming, moistening, and filtering of the air. The lower respiratory tract includes conducting airways and the respiratory zone. Thoracic cage expands, and the air enters into the lungs as the diaphragm, external intercostals, and the scalenes contract during quite inspiration. The expiration is passive during rest. Accessory muscles of respiration contract during forced expiration. Compliance, airway resistance, and surface tension affect ventilation. The children have different anatomical and physiological features of lungs and thorax compared to adults. The mechanical properties of the lungs and thoracic cage differ according to the diseases. In this chapter, the kinesiology of respiration is discussed.