The most important function of the body, breathing is responsible for the maintenance of optimum oxidation processes in the cells and for intracellular (endogenous) respiration. Lungs ventilation and gas exchange between the body cells and the atmosphere occur during the process of breathing; the cells use oxygen, which is involved in the process of cellular metabolism. Carbon dioxide formed during the oxidation is partially used by the cells and partially removed through the lungs.
Specialized organs (nose, lungs, diaphragm, heart) and cells (erythrocytes - red blood corpuscles containing hemoglobin, special protein for oxygen transferring, nerve cells that react to the content of carbon dioxide in blood-chemoreceptor of blood vessels, and brain nerve cells that form a respiratory center) are involved in the breathing process.
Regular breathing 14-18 Breaths per minute
Breathing with The Frolov's Device, 4-6 Breaths per minute
Regular breathing
With The Frolov's device
Inhalation
oxygen
21%
18%
carbon dioxide
0,03%
3%
Exhalation
oxygen
16%
13%
carbon dioxide
4,5%
7,5%
Frequency of breaths per minute
14—18 Breaths per minute
4—6 Breaths per minute
Breathing volume per minute, liters/minute
7—9 l/min
4—4,5 l/min
Ventilation-perfusion coefficient
0,8—1
1,5—2,5
Formally the process of breathing can be divided into three major stages: external respiration, gas transportation (oxygen and carbon dioxide) by blood (between lungs and cells) and tissue respiration (oxidation of various substances in the cells).
External respiration means gas exchange between the body and the surrounding atmosphere.
Transportation of gases by blood: the main carrier of oxygen is hemoglobin, a protein that is carried inside erythrocytes. With the aid of hemoglobin up to 20% of carbon dioxide is transported from tissues to lungs.
"Tissues breathing" or "internal respiration". This process includes two stages: gas exchange between the blood and tissues, oxygen consumption by cells and carbon dioxide emission (intracellular, endogenous respiration).
The function of breathing is characterized by the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide, lungs ventilation indicators (frequency and rhythm of breathing, minute-by-minute breathing volume). Obviously, the body health and quality of life strongly depend on the condition of the breathing function and the capacity of the respiratory system.
In order to maintain good health, to keep fit and to sustain body health reserves it is necessary to keep lungs ventilation and gas exchange in good condition. This can be achieved by means of breathing exercises that change the common breathing patterns.