Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Inspiration
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Inhalation (also known as inspiration) is the movement of air from the external environment, through the airways, into the alveoli during breathing.
Inhalation begins with the onset of contraction of the diaphragm, which results in expansion of the intrapleural space and an increase in negative pressure according to Boyle’s law. This negative pressure generates airflow because of the pressure difference between the atmosphere and alveolus. Air enters, inflating the lung through either the nose or the mouth into the pharynx (throat) and trachea before entering the alveoli.
Other muscles that can be involved in inhalation include[1]:
See also
See also
- Inhalant – Psychoactive drugs consumed through inhalation
- Respiratory system
- Ventilation (physiology)
References
References
- ↑ Essentials of Human Physiology by Thomas M. Nosek. Section 4/4ch2/s4ch2_10.
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]