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Difference Between External Respiration and Internal Respiration
Respiration is the process by which living organisms obtain oxygen from the atmosphere and release carbon dioxide back into the environment. Respiration occurs in two stages: external respiration and internal respiration. External respiration involves the exchange of gases between the environment and the lungs, while internal respiration involves the exchange of gases between the blood and the body's tissues. In this essay, we will explore the differences between external respiration and internal respiration in detail.
What is External Respiration?
External respiration, also known as pulmonary respiration, is the process of exchanging gases between the lungs and the environment. This process occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, which are small air sacs that are surrounded by a network of blood vessels called capillaries. Oxygen from the air inhaled into the lungs diffuses through the walls of the alveoli and into the capillaries, where it binds to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells. At the same time, carbon dioxide from the blood diffuses into the alveoli, where it is exhaled out of the body.
The process of external respiration is primarily driven by pressure gradients. When we inhale, the diaphragm and other muscles in the chest expand, creating negative pressure in the lungs. This negative pressure draws air into the lungs, and the oxygen in the air diffuses into the blood. When we exhale, the diaphragm and chest muscles relax, creating positive pressure in the lungs. This positive pressure forces the carbon dioxide out of the lungs and into the air.
What is Internal Respiration?
Internal respiration, also known as tissue respiration, is the process of exchanging gases between the blood and the body's tissues. This process occurs in the capillaries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the body's organs and tissues. Oxygen from the hemoglobin in the red blood cells diffuses out of the capillaries and into the body's cells, where it is used in the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
During internal respiration, carbon dioxide is also produced as a waste product of cellular respiration. Carbon dioxide diffuses out of the body's cells and into the capillaries, where it is carried back to the lungs for exhalation.
The process of internal respiration is also driven by pressure gradients. Oxygen diffuses from areas of high concentration (the capillaries) to areas of low concentration (the body's cells), while carbon dioxide diffuses from areas of high concentration (the body's cells) to areas of low concentration (the capillaries).
Differences: External Respiration and Internal Respiration
There are several key differences between external respiration and internal respiration. First, external respiration involves the exchange of gases between the lungs and the environment, while internal respiration involves the exchange of gases between the blood and the body's tissues.
Second, external respiration is primarily driven by pressure gradients created by the expansion and relaxation of the diaphragm and chest muscles. In contrast, internal respiration is primarily driven by pressure gradients created by differences in the concentration of gases between the capillaries and the body's cells.
Third, external respiration involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the alveoli and the capillaries of the lungs. In contrast, internal respiration involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the capillaries and the body's cells.
The following table highlights the major differences between External Respiration and Internal Respiration −
Characteristics |
External Respiration |
Internal Respiration |
|---|---|---|
Location |
External respiration occurs between cells of the body and the external environment. |
Internal respiration occurs within cells. |
Breathing |
External respiration involves breathing. |
Internal respiration does not. |
Involvement of Hemoglobin |
External respiration involves oxygen attaching to or offloading from the heme of hemoglobin. |
This is not an internal respiration process. |
Conclusion
External respiration occurs in the lungs, while internal respiration occurs in the body's tissues. External respiration is essential for the body to obtain the oxygen it needs to survive, while internal respiration is essential for the body's cells to produce energy and carry out their functions.
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