The correct spelling of the phrase "breathing in" is transcribed as /ˈbriːðɪŋ ɪn/. The first syllable "breath" is pronounced with a long vowel sound /iː/ and the following consonant sound /ð/. The second syllable "ing" is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ɪ/ and the consonant /ŋ/ at the end. The two syllables are connected with a glottal stop /ʔ/ which is represented with an apostrophe. "Breathing in" refers to the action of pulling air into the lungs.
Breathing in is the act of taking air or a substance into the lungs through the nose or mouth, allowing the body to extract oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It is an involuntary action that provides the body with the necessary exchange of gases involved in respiration.
When breathing in, the diaphragm, a muscular sheet at the base of the chest, contracts, causing it to flatten and move downward. This action increases the volume of the chest cavity, creating a negative pressure that draws air into the lungs. As the air passes through the nose or mouth, it is moistened, warmed, and filtered before entering the lungs.
Breathing in primarily serves the purpose of oxygenating the blood. The inhaled air contains oxygen, a vital element for the body's functioning, which is absorbed by tiny air sacs called alveoli in the lungs. Simultaneously, the alveoli release carbon dioxide, a waste product that is expelled during exhalation. This process allows for the continuous supply of oxygen to the body's tissues and the removal of waste carbon dioxide.
Breathing in can also refer to the inhalation of substances other than air, such as medication, pollutants, or odors. In these cases, the act of breathing in serves specific purposes, such as introducing therapeutic substances into the body or detecting and identifying scents.
The word "breathing in" is a phrase rather than a single word. "Breathing" refers to the action or process of inhaling and exhaling air, while "in" signifies a direction or motion toward the inside or into something.
The etymology of "breathing" can be traced back to the Old English word "brǣthing", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bræþaną". It had the general meaning of "act of breathing" or "giving off vapor", and was related to the Proto-Indo-European root word "bherəg" meaning "to shine" or "to burn". This later evolved into "breath" in Middle English.
The preposition "in" has roots in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "inn", meaning "into, in, within".