Which one of the following is a possibility for most of us in regard to breathing, by making a conscious effort?
- One can breathe out air totally without oxygen.
- One can breathe out air through Eustachian tube by closing both nose and mouth.
- One can consciously breathe in and breathe out by moving the diaphragm alone, without moving the ribs at all.
- The lungs can be made fully empty by forcefully breathing out all air from them.
Answer
(3) One can consciously breathe in and breathe out by moving the diaphragm alone, without moving the ribs at all.
Solution
(1) Expired air always contains about 16% oxygen; it cannot be made oxygen-free. ⇒ Not possible.
(2) The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the pharynx; air cannot be breathed out through it. ⇒ Not possible.
(3) Contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm alone change the volume of the thoracic chamber in the antero-posterior axis; this (abdominal breathing) can be done consciously. ⇒ Possible.
(4) As per NCERT, even after a forcible expiration the residual volume (1100–1200 mL) remains in the lungs. ⇒ Not possible.
Answer: (3)