Breathing vs. Respiration — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Breathing is the physical act of inhaling and exhaling air, while Respiration is the cellular process of producing energy using oxygen.
Difference Between Breathing and Respiration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Breathing and Respiration, while related to the process of utilizing oxygen, represent distinct physiological phenomena. Breathing refers to the mechanical process where air is drawn into (inhaled) and expelled out of (exhaled) the lungs. It's an external activity that involves the movement of the chest and diaphragm.
Respiration, on the other hand, delves deeper into the cellular level. It's the metabolic process where cells use oxygen to produce energy from glucose, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Respiration ensures that our cells function effectively, powering our bodily systems.
It's crucial to note that Breathing facilitates Respiration by supplying the necessary oxygen to the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide. Breathing functions as a bridge between the external environment and the body's internal systems.
However, Respiration is not solely dependent on Breathing, especially when considering organisms that don't have lungs. Some organisms can undergo Respiration without the act of Breathing, obtaining oxygen through different mechanisms. It's the biochemical aspect of using oxygen that truly characterizes Respiration.
Thus, while both Breathing and Respiration revolve around oxygen utilization, they operate at different levels — Breathing being a visible physical act and Respiration a cellular metabolic process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Mechanical process of inhaling and exhaling air
Cellular process of producing energy using oxygen
Level
Physiological/external
Biochemical/internal
Purpose
Supply oxygen to and remove CO2 from the body
Produce energy from glucose
Mechanism
Movement of the chest and diaphragm
Cellular reactions, including glycolysis and the Krebs cycle
Dependency
Functions as a bridge for Respiration
Not solely dependent on Breathing in some organisms
Compare with Definitions
Breathing
The act of taking in and expelling air from the lungs.
He was Breathing heavily after the run.
Respiration
Involves complex metabolic pathways.
The Krebs cycle is a key part of Respiration.
Breathing
The rhythmical intake and outflow of air.
The baby's Breathing was steady and calm.
Respiration
Essential for the survival of aerobic organisms.
Without Respiration, cells would not produce enough energy.
Breathing
Essential for oxygenating blood.
Breathing exercises can help with relaxation.
Respiration
Cellular process of producing energy from oxygen and glucose.
Respiration is vital for cellular activities.
Breathing
External manifestation of oxygen exchange.
The patient's Breathing was monitored closely.
Respiration
Occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
Mitochondria are often called the powerhouses due to their role in Respiration.
Breathing
Breathing (or ventilation) is the process of moving air out and in the lungs to facilitate gas exchange with the internal environment, mostly to flush out carbon dioxide and bring in oxygen. All aerobic creatures need oxygen for cellular respiration, which uses the oxygen to break down foods for energy and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product.
Respiration
The action or process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing. Also called ventilation.
Breathing
The act or process of respiration.
Respiration
An act of inhaling and exhaling; a breath.
Breathing
A single breath.
Respiration
The action or process by which an organism without lungs, such as a fish or plant, exchanges gases with its environment.
Breathing
The time required to take one's breath.
Respiration
The oxidative process occurring within living cells by which the chemical energy of organic molecules is converted in a series of metabolic steps into usable energy in the form of ATP, involving the consumption of oxygen and the production of carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
Breathing
Either of two marks, the rough breathing ( ʿ ) and the smooth breathing ( ), used in Greek to indicate presence or absence of aspiration.
Respiration
Any of various analogous metabolic processes by which certain organisms, such as anaerobic bacteria and some fungi, obtain energy from organic molecules without consuming oxygen.
Breathing
The presence or absence of aspiration indicated by either of these marks.
Respiration
The process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing, breath.
Breathing
Gerund of breathe: (uncountable) The act of respiration; (countable) a single instance of this.
Respiration
An act of breathing; a breath.
Breathing
A diacritical mark indicating aspiration or lack thereof.
Respiration
Any similar process in an organism that lacks lungs that exchanges gases with its environment.
Breathing
(archaic) Time to recover one's breath; hence, a delay, a spell of time.
Respiration
The process by which cells obtain chemical energy by the consumption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.
Breathing
Any gentle influence or operation; inspiration.
The breathings of the Holy Spirit
Respiration
The act of respiring or breathing again, or catching one's breath.
Breathing
Aspiration; secret prayer.
Respiration
Relief from toil or suffering: rest.
Till the dayAppear of respiration to the justAnd vengeance to the wicked.
Breathing
Present participle of breathe
Respiration
Interval; intermission.
Breathing
Respiration; the act of inhaling and exhaling air.
Subject to a difficulty of breathing.
Respiration
The act of resping or breathing; the act of taking in and giving out air; the aggregate of those processes bu which oxygen is introduced into the system, and carbon dioxide, or carbonic acid, removed.
Breathing
Air in gentle motion.
Respiration
The metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic moelcules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs
Breathing
Any gentle influence or operation; inspiration; as, the breathings of the Spirit.
Respiration
A single complete act of breathing in and out;
Thirty respirations per minute
Breathing
Aspiration; secret prayer.
Respiration
The bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
Breathing
Exercising; promotion of respiration.
Here is a lady that wants breathing too;And I have heard, you knights of TyreAre excellent in making ladies trip.
Respiration
Biochemical reactions releasing carbon dioxide.
During Respiration, energy is stored in ATP molecules.
Breathing
Utterance; communication or publicity by words.
I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose.
Breathing
Breathing place; vent.
Breathing
Stop; pause; delay.
You shake the head at so long a breathing.
Breathing
Also, in a wider sense, the sound caused by the friction of the outgoing breath in the throat, mouth, etc., when the glottis is wide open; aspiration; the sound expressed by the letter h.
Breathing
A mark to indicate aspiration or its absence. See Rough breathing, Smooth breathing, below.
Breathing
The bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
Breathing
Passing or able to pass air in and out of the lungs normally; sometimes used in combination;
The boy was disappointed to find only skeletons instead of living breathing dinosaurs
The heavy-breathing person on the telephone
Breathing
Physical process involving the diaphragm and lungs.
Her Breathing became shallow due to anxiety.
Common Curiosities
Are Breathing and Respiration the same thing?
No, Breathing is the act of inhaling and exhaling, while Respiration is a cellular energy-producing process.
Is Breathing only about the lungs?
Primarily, but it involves the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles.
Is Breathing voluntary?
Breathing is primarily involuntary, but can be consciously controlled.
Why do we feel short of breath sometimes?
It could be due to exertion, anxiety, or respiratory conditions affecting Breathing.
What is anaerobic Respiration?
It's Respiration without oxygen, producing less energy and often lactic acid.
Does Respiration only happen in humans?
No, Respiration occurs in all aerobic organisms.
What produces energy during Respiration?
Cells use oxygen to break down glucose, producing energy.
Can organisms respire without Breathing?
Some organisms can undergo Respiration without typical Breathing.
Where does Respiration occur in the cell?
Respiration mainly occurs in the mitochondria.
Why is Breathing essential?
Breathing supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide.
What happens if Respiration is disrupted?
Disruption in Respiration can lead to energy deficits in cells.
What's the role of Breathing in meditation?
Focused Breathing can promote relaxation and mindfulness.
Can Breathing techniques improve health?
Yes, practices like deep Breathing can reduce stress and improve well-being.
Is photosynthesis related to Respiration?
Photosynthesis is the opposite of Respiration in plants, producing oxygen and glucose.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
