Difference Between Breathing And Respiration

We all require energy to carry out various tasks. Whether it is playing, studying, dancing, or any other activity; energy is needed. The food we obtain contains nutrients and gives us energy. Thus, it can be said that the proper itemization of the food very essential.  

Respiration is the process by which living organisms take in oxygen and use it for producing energy. This happens by the breakdown of food and waste materials are removed. Respiration has two main steps ‘External Respiration’ and ‘Internal Respiration’. External respiration is known as breathing whereas internal respiration refers to cellular respiration. Generally, the term ‘Respiration’ is used for cellular respiration not breathing. Therefore, breathing and respiration (cellular respiration) are two different terms. Let’s understand the difference between the two-

1. Breathing (external respiration): 

Breathing is the process of taking in or inhaling air that has high oxygen content and giving out or exhaling air having high carbon dioxide content. Usually, we breathe using our nose but sometimes even by our mouth. Breathing from the nose is better. The nose, nostrils, nasal cavity, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli are together responsible for this process.

2. Respiration (cellular respiration):

Respiration is the process of the itemization of food that takes place in our body cells, releasing energy. It is of two types, aerobic respiration, and anaerobic respiration.

2.1. Aerobic Respiration: Aerobic respiration releases energy using oxygen by converting it into carbon dioxide and water. Generally, all living organisms carry out this type of respiration, with few exceptions.

2.2 Anaerobic Respiration: Anaerobic respiration releases energy without oxygen by converting it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Few organisms, like yeast known as anaerobes, respire using this method.

Thus, we can conclude that breathing and respiration are two different processes. Breathing is indeed a type of respiration, external respiration but commonly the term respiration is used for internal or cellular respiration only.

By: Toshani Mehra

Delhi Public School, Greater Noida