Respiration in Humans

What is Respiration?

Respiration is the process of releasing energy from food inside living cells. It is different from breathing, which is only the movement of air in and out of the lungs.

Types

• Aerobic respiration: uses oxygen and releases a lot of energy. Glucose + Oxygen gives Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy.
• Anaerobic respiration: happens without oxygen and releases less energy, for example in muscles during hard exercise.

Breathing System

Air enters through the nose, passes down the windpipe into the lungs, where oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide leaves.

Key Points

Respiration happens in every living cell, all the time, to keep the body alive.