Focusing on screens or deep concentration can cause momentary breath holding. Stress and anxiety can alter breathing patterns. Email apnea may occur during work when reading documents. Quick fixes include taking breaks and moving around
Inhalation occurs when air enters lungs for oxygen absorption. Process is autonomic and requires no conscious control. Breathing allows oxygen to enter lungs for survival
Mouth is first part of alimentary canal receiving food and producing saliva. Consists of vestibule (between teeth, lips and cheeks) and oral cavity proper. Oral mucosa lines inside of mouth, receiving secretions from salivary glands. Mouth contains teeth and is lined with mucous membrane
Each gas in a mixture has a partial pressure as if occupying its own volume. Total pressure of ideal gas mixture equals sum of partial pressures (Dalton's Law). Partial pressure measures thermodynamic activity of gas molecules. Gases dissolve and react according to partial pressures, not concentrations
Respiratory rate is controlled by brain's respiratory center and measured in breaths/minute. Typical healthy adult resting rate is 12-15 breaths/minute. Quiet breathing rhythm is 2 seconds inhalation, 3 seconds exhalation
Breathing decreases during sleep due to decreased metabolism. Minute ventilation drops by 13-15% in each sleep stage. Rib cage contributes more to ventilation during sleep. Upper airway resistance increases by 230% during sleep. Arterial blood gases show hypoventilation despite reduced metabolism