How Do You Spell THORACIC BREATHING?

Pronunciation: [θɔːɹˈasɪk bɹˈiːðɪŋ] (IPA)

The correct spelling of "thoracic breathing" is [θəˈræsɪk ˈbriðɪŋ]. The first syllable "tho" is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative [θ], which is the same sound as the "th" in "think". The second syllable "ra" has a short vowel sound [æ] and the stress is on the second syllable. The final syllable "sic" is pronounced with a voiceless sibilant [s] followed by a voiced velar fricative [ɪ]. The word refers to breathing in which the lungs expand primarily in the chest area rather than the belly.

THORACIC BREATHING Meaning and Definition

1. Thoracic breathing refers to a specific type of breathing pattern primarily utilizing the muscles of the chest and ribcage, often observed during stressful or tense situations. It involves the expansion and contraction of the upper chest area and limited movement of the abdomen. This breathing style is considered shallow and inefficient compared to diaphragmatic breathing, which is the natural and optimal way of breathing.

   During thoracic breathing, the individual mainly relies on the intercostal muscles between the ribs, sternocleidomastoid muscles in the neck, and the shoulder muscles to facilitate inhalation and exhalation. As a result, the chest visibly rises and falls while the abdomen remains relatively still.

   The term "thoracic" arises from its association with the thoracic region, which encompasses the upper part of the torso where the chest, ribs, and upper spine are located.

   This type of breathing is typically considered suboptimal because it causes shallow inhalation, limiting the amount of oxygen intake. Additionally, thoracic breathing tends to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response, thereby exacerbating feelings of stress and anxiety.

   Conversely, diaphragmatic breathing, which involves the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm muscle located beneath the lungs, allows for deeper and more efficient inhalation. This type of breathing is associated with numerous health benefits, including enhanced relaxation, a reduction in stress levels, and increased oxygen delivery to the body's vital organs.

2. The opposite of abdominal b., b. in which the expansion of the chest is produced chiefly by elevation of the ribs.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for THORACIC BREATHING

• thoeracicbreathing
• thoracicbreathinng
• thoaracicbreathing
• thoreacicbreathing
• t horacic breathing
• th oracic breathing
• tho racic breathing
• thor acic breathing
• thora cic breathing
• thorac ic breathing
• thoraci c breathing
• thoracic b reathing
• thoracic br eathing
• thoracic bre athing
• thoracic brea thing
• thoracic breat hing
• thoracic breath ing
• thoracic breathi ng
• thoracic breathin g

Etymology of THORACIC BREATHING

The word "thoracic" is derived from the Latin term "thorax", which means "chest". The word "breathing" comes from the Old English word "brǣð", which means "breath". Thus, the term "thoracic breathing" refers to a specific type of breathing that mainly involves the expansion and contraction of the chest or thorax.