Expiratory meaning

Expiratory refers to the outward flow of air from the lungs during breathing.


Expiratory definitions

Word backwards yrotaripxe
Part of speech Adjective
Syllabic division ex-pi-ra-to-ry
Plural The plural form of the word "expiratory" is "expiratories."
Total letters 10
Vogais (4) e,i,a,o
Consonants (5) x,p,r,t,y

Expiratory is a term used in the context of breathing and respiration. It refers to the phase of breathing where air is expelled from the lungs. This process involves the relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, allowing the chest cavity to decrease in size and air to be pushed out of the lungs.

The Process of Expiration

During expiration, the lungs passively recoil as the muscles relax, causing the volume of the thoracic cavity to decrease. This reduced space increases the pressure within the lungs, forcing air to flow out. Exhalation is a crucial part of the respiratory cycle, allowing the body to rid itself of carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration.

Types of Expiration

There are two main types of expiration: quiet expiration and forced expiration. Quiet expiration occurs during normal, everyday breathing when the body does not require additional effort to expel air. Forced expiration, on the other hand, happens during activities that require increased breathing effort, such as exercise or singing.

Vital capacity is a term used to describe the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible. This measurement is essential for assessing lung function and respiratory health. On the other hand, residual volume is the amount of air that remains in the lungs even after forced expiration, ensuring that the lungs stay partially inflated to prevent their collapse.

Importance of Expiratory Function

Proper expiratory function is vital for overall respiratory health. Efficient exhalation ensures that the body eliminates carbon dioxide and allows for the intake of fresh oxygen during inhalation. Any disruptions to the expiratory phase of breathing can lead to respiratory issues and reduced lung capacity.

Overall, understanding the process of expiration and the importance of expiratory function can help individuals maintain healthy breathing habits and optimize respiratory performance.


Expiratory Examples

  1. During a cough, the expiratory phase involves the release of air from the lungs.
  2. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have difficulty with their expiratory flow.
  3. Breathing exercises that focus on the expiratory phase can help improve lung function.
  4. The doctor listened to the patient's expiratory sounds using a stethoscope.
  5. The respiratory therapist taught the patient how to optimize their expiratory technique.
  6. Pulmonary function tests can measure various parameters including expiratory volume.
  7. Individuals with asthma may have expiratory wheezing during an exacerbation.
  8. The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of deep expiratory breaths for relaxation.
  9. Inhaling deeply before starting an expiratory maneuver can help maximize airway clearance.
  10. Singers often work on controlling their expiratory power to improve vocal performance.


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  • Updated 06/05/2024 - 12:49:44