Internal Respiration vs. External Respiration — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 30, 2023
Internal Respiration is the exchange of gases between blood and cells; External Respiration is the exchange between lungs and blood.
Difference Between Internal Respiration and External Respiration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Internal Respiration refers to the process where oxygen is transported from the bloodstream into the body's cells, while carbon dioxide moves from the cells into the blood. Conversely, External Respiration deals with the exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood.
When discussing Internal Respiration, the focus is on how cells obtain oxygen to generate energy for cellular activities. In contrast, External Respiration emphasizes how our respiratory system, primarily the lungs, works to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide.
The cellular processes that require oxygen, such as cellular respiration in the mitochondria, are facilitated by Internal Respiration. On the other hand, External Respiration supports the replenishment of oxygen in the blood, ensuring it's available for cells.
Internal Respiration ensures that cells receive the necessary oxygen to produce energy and function optimally. Meanwhile, External Respiration guarantees that carbon dioxide, a waste product, is efficiently expelled from the body through the lungs.
The intricacies of Internal Respiration involve the diffusion of gases at a cellular level. External Respiration, however, is a larger-scale process involving the movement of air in and out of the lungs.
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Comparison Chart
Location
At the cellular level
Lungs and blood
Main Gases Involved
Oxygen and carbon dioxide
Oxygen and carbon dioxide
Purpose
Energize cells
Oxygenate blood, remove waste
Resultant Product
Energy (ATP)
Oxygenated blood
Process Involved
Cellular respiration
Inhalation and exhalation
Compare with Definitions
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration facilitates cellular access to oxygen.
Internal Respiration ensures that brain cells get the oxygen they need.
External Respiration
External Respiration concerns the inhalation and exhalation process.
Thanks to External Respiration, we remove carbon dioxide with each exhale.
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration is the diffusion of gases at the cellular level.
Internal Respiration ensures that every cell gets the oxygen required for energy.
External Respiration
External Respiration involves gas exchange between the lungs and blood.
During deep breaths, External Respiration efficiently oxygenates the blood.
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration is essential for cellular energy production.
Through Internal Respiration, cells produce the energy necessary for body functions.
External Respiration
External Respiration focuses on oxygenating blood.
External Respiration ensures our blood carries fresh oxygen to all parts.
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration is the gas exchange between blood and cells.
During exercise, Internal Respiration rates increase to meet muscle demand.
External Respiration
External Respiration is essential for replenishing blood oxygen levels.
Swimmers rely on efficient External Respiration to hold their breath underwater.
Internal Respiration
Internal Respiration concerns the transport of oxygen into cells.
When one runs, Internal Respiration plays a key role in muscle performance.
External Respiration
External Respiration expels waste gases from the body.
Through External Respiration, our lungs filter out harmful carbon dioxide.
Common Curiosities
How does External Respiration benefit the body?
External Respiration oxygenates the blood and removes carbon dioxide through the lungs.
What is Internal Respiration?
Internal Respiration is the gas exchange between the blood and body cells.
What does External Respiration entail?
External Respiration involves the exchange of gases between the lungs and the blood.
How are Internal Respiration and External Respiration interrelated?
Internal Respiration relies on oxygen supplied by External Respiration and produces CO2 that External Respiration expels.
Where does Internal Respiration occur?
Internal Respiration occurs at the cellular level in the body.
Is breathing the same as External Respiration?
Breathing is part of External Respiration, which involves both inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
Does Internal Respiration produce any byproducts?
Yes, Internal Respiration produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Why is Internal Respiration crucial for cells?
Internal Respiration provides cells with oxygen needed for energy production.
What role does hemoglobin play in Internal Respiration?
In Internal Respiration, hemoglobin releases oxygen to the cells and collects carbon dioxide.
Why do we breathe faster after physical exertion?
After exertion, External Respiration increases to meet the higher oxygen demand and to expel more CO2.
What happens during External Respiration in the lungs?
During External Respiration, oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the blood, and carbon dioxide from the blood is expelled.
Why is Internal Respiration essential for muscle function?
Internal Respiration provides muscles with the oxygen required for energy during contraction.
Can any factors hinder Internal Respiration?
Yes, factors like reduced blood flow or toxins can hinder effective Internal Respiration.
How does exercise affect External Respiration?
Exercise increases the rate of External Respiration to supply more oxygen to the body.
What drives the process of External Respiration in the body?
The need to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide drives External Respiration.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
