We inhale air, which contains oxygen, rather than inhaling pure oxygen. The air we breathe is a mixture of several gases, with oxygen being a crucial component for our survival.
Understanding Inhalation
When we inhale, air enters our lungs. This air isn't just oxygen; it's a combination of different gases, primarily nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%), and smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases.
| Gas | Approximate Percentage |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N2) | 78% |
| Oxygen (O2) | 21% |
| Argon (Ar) | 0.9% |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 0.04% |
| Other trace gases | 0.06% |
Gas Exchange in the Lungs
The process of breathing involves a crucial step called gas exchange. As the reference states: "When you inhale (breathe in), air enters your lungs, and oxygen from that air moves to your blood." This is where the oxygen, a component of the air we inhale, moves from our lungs to our bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product, moves from the blood back into the lungs to be exhaled. This continuous exchange is essential for sustaining life.
Key Points:
- We breathe in air, not pure oxygen.
- Air is a mixture of gases.
- Oxygen from the inhaled air is transferred to the blood.
- Carbon dioxide from the blood is removed during exhalation.
Therefore, while oxygen is the essential gas we need, it comes to us via the air we inhale. It's the process of the body extracting oxygen from air that sustains us, and removing waste gasses, is what occurs during breathing.
