BREATHING CAPACITY Meaning and
Definition
-
Breathing capacity refers to the maximum amount of air a person can inhale and exhale during respiration. It is a measure of the lungs' efficiency and their ability to supply oxygen to the body and expel carbon dioxide. It is a crucial parameter for assessing overall respiratory health and fitness levels.
Breathing capacity is influenced by various factors, including lung size, age, gender, physical fitness, and the presence of any underlying respiratory conditions. Lung size, also known as lung volume, is determined mainly by a person's height and body composition. Generally, individuals with larger lung volumes tend to have higher breathing capacities.
Physical fitness plays a significant role in determining breathing capacity, as regular exercise helps strengthen the respiratory muscles and improves lung function. This can result in increased lung capacity and enhanced oxygen exchange during breathing.
Breathing capacity can be measured using a variety of methods. One common technique is spirometry, which involves blowing forcefully into a device that records the volume and speed of airflow. Results from these tests are compared to predicted values based on age, height, and gender.
Optimal breathing capacity is crucial for proper oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs. It is especially important during physical activities or situations that demand increased oxygen intake, such as exercise or high-altitude environments. Impaired breathing capacity due to lung disease or other respiratory conditions can result in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced physical performance.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BREATHING CAPACITY
- vreathing capacity
- nreathing capacity
- hreathing capacity
- greathing capacity
- beeathing capacity
- bdeathing capacity
- bfeathing capacity
- bteathing capacity
- b5eathing capacity
- b4eathing capacity
- brwathing capacity
- brsathing capacity
- brdathing capacity
- brrathing capacity
- br4athing capacity
- br3athing capacity
- brezthing capacity
- bresthing capacity
- brewthing capacity
- breqthing capacity
Etymology of BREATHING CAPACITY
The etymology of the word "breathing capacity" can be understood through the analysis of its individual components:
1. Breathing: The word "breathing" comes from the Old English word "brǣþ", which means "breath" or "smell". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "braþō" and is related to the Old High German "brādam" and Old Norse "broddr". These words ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bʰreH-", meaning "burn", "shine", or "breathe".
2. Capacity: The term "capacity" comes from the Latin word "capacitas", which means "roominess" or "size". It is derived from the Latin verb "capere", meaning "to take" or "to hold".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
