External Respiration vs. Internal Respiration: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 4, 2024
External Respiration is the exchange of gases between the environment and the blood, while Internal Respiration involves gas exchange between blood and tissue cells.
Key Differences
External Respiration is the process of gas exchange between the environment and the bloodstream, typically occurring in the lungs. This involves inhaling oxygen from the air into the lungs and exhaling carbon dioxide from the blood to the air. Internal Respiration, however, refers to the exchange of gases between the blood and body cells. This process involves oxygen being transported from the blood to the cells and carbon dioxide being transported from the cells to the blood.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 04, 2024
In External Respiration, oxygen is absorbed into the blood, and carbon dioxide is released as a waste product from the blood into the lungs, a process facilitated by the difference in partial pressures of these gases in the air and blood. Internal Respiration focuses on the cellular level, where oxygen is used for cellular metabolism, and carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste, is produced.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 04, 2024
The primary site of External Respiration is the alveoli in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged through the alveolar and capillary walls. Internal Respiration occurs in the tissues throughout the body, where oxygen diffuses from the blood into the tissues, and carbon dioxide diffuses from the tissue cells into the blood.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 04, 2024
External Respiration is a critical step in breathing and is directly influenced by respiratory rate and lung health. Internal Respiration is closely related to cellular respiration and metabolic activity in the body's tissues and is influenced by factors like tissue oxygen demand and blood circulation.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 04, 2024
External Respiration is essential for maintaining the oxygen level and removing carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Internal Respiration is vital for providing oxygen to cells for energy production and removing carbon dioxide, a by-product of metabolism.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Location
In the lungs, particularly in the alveoli
In body tissues and cells
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Feb 04, 2024
Process
Oxygen inhaled into lungs, carbon dioxide exhaled to environment
Oxygen used by cells, carbon dioxide produced and returned to blood
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Feb 04, 2024
Physiological Focus
Breathing and lung function
Cellular metabolism and energy production
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Feb 04, 2024
Influencing Factors
Respiratory rate, lung health
Cellular oxygen demand, blood circulation
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Feb 04, 2024
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Purpose
To oxygenate blood and remove carbon dioxide
To provide oxygen for cell use and remove metabolic wastes
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Affected by Respiratory Conditions
Yes, conditions like asthma can affect it
Less directly affected, but impacted by overall oxygen availability
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Feb 04, 2024
External Respiration and Internal Respiration Definitions
External Respiration
External Respiration maintains blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
External respiration adjusts during exercise to maintain oxygen supply.
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Jan 19, 2024
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration is the exchange of gases between blood and body cells.
Internal respiration supplies muscles with oxygen during exercise.
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Jan 19, 2024
External Respiration
External Respiration is affected by respiratory health.
Asthma can disrupt normal external respiration.
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Jan 19, 2024
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Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration is crucial for energy production.
Cellular energy production relies on internal respiration.
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External Respiration
External Respiration involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
Jogging increases the rate of external respiration to meet oxygen demands.
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Jan 19, 2024
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration removes carbon dioxide from cells.
Internal respiration efficiently clears carbon dioxide produced during metabolism.
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Jan 19, 2024
External Respiration
External Respiration is the gas exchange between the air and blood in the lungs.
During a deep breath, external respiration efficiently exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide.
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Jan 19, 2024
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration involves cellular uptake of oxygen.
Active cells increase internal respiration for energy.
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Jan 19, 2024
External Respiration
External Respiration occurs in the alveoli of the lungs.
The alveoli are crucial for effective external respiration.
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Jan 19, 2024
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration supports cellular metabolic activities.
High-intensity workouts intensify internal respiration in muscles.
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Jan 19, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does physical activity impact internal respiration?
It increases internal respiration to meet higher oxygen demands.
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Feb 04, 2024
Is external respiration the same as breathing?
It's a part of breathing, specifically the gas exchange aspect.
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Feb 04, 2024
What is the main function of external respiration?
To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between air and blood.
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Feb 04, 2024
Where does internal respiration occur?
It occurs in the body tissues and cells.
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Feb 04, 2024
Can external respiration be affected by altitude?
Yes, higher altitudes can affect the efficiency of external respiration.
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How is internal respiration related to energy?
It provides oxygen for energy production in cells.
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Does smoking impact external respiration?
Yes, smoking can reduce lung capacity and impair external respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
Is internal respiration constant throughout the body?
No, it varies based on the metabolic activity of different tissues.
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Feb 04, 2024
What affects the rate of internal respiration?
Cellular activity and oxygen demand affect its rate.
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Feb 04, 2024
Can diseases affect external respiration?
Yes, respiratory diseases can impair external respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
How does aging affect external respiration?
Aging can reduce lung capacity and affect external respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
Can exercise improve external respiration?
Regular exercise can enhance lung function and external respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
What role does blood play in internal respiration?
Blood transports oxygen to cells and carries away carbon dioxide.
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Feb 04, 2024
Are external and internal respiration interdependent?
Yes, efficient external respiration is needed for optimal internal respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
Are there medical conditions that solely affect external respiration?
Conditions like COPD primarily affect external respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
Does internal respiration occur in all body cells?
Yes, it occurs in virtually all cells to meet their oxygen needs.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 04, 2024
Does air quality influence external respiration?
Poor air quality can hinder efficient external respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
Is internal respiration the same as cellular respiration?
They are closely related, but cellular respiration is a broader term including energy production.
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Feb 04, 2024
Does hydration affect internal respiration?
Adequate hydration is essential for efficient blood flow and internal respiration.
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Feb 04, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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