first breath

(noun)

At birth, the baby's lungs are filled with fluid secreted by the lungs and are not inflated. When the newborn is expelled from the birth canal, its central nervous system reacts to the sudden change in temperature and environment. This triggers it to take the first breath within about 10 seconds after delivery.

Related Terms

  • canalicular period
  • terminal saccular period

Examples of first breath in the following topics:

  • Adjustments of the Infant at Birth

    • Post birth, an infant's physiology must adapt to breathing independently, changes in blood flow and energy access, and a cold environment.
    • The first challenge of a newborn is to perfuse its body by breathing independently instead of utilizing placental oxygen.
    • This triggers it to take the first breath within about 10 seconds of delivery.
    • With the first breaths, there is a fall in pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in the surface area available for gas exchange.
    • At this point, rhythmic breathing movements also commence.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    • If the rate of airflow is too low, a person with COPD may not be able to completely finish breathing out (expiration) before he or she needs to take another breath.
    • This is particularly common during exercise, when breathing has to be faster.
    • A little of the air of the previous breath remains within the lungs when the next breath is started, resulting in an increase in the volume of air in the lungs, a process called dynamic hyperinflation.
    • The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by spirometry, a test that measures the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in the first second of a large breath.
    • Spirometry also measures the forced vital capacity (FVC), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in a whole, large breath.
  • Plotting Points on a Graph

    • To display values for "lung capacity" (first variable) and how long that person could hold his breath, a researcher would choose a group of people to study, then measure each one's lung capacity (first variable) and how long that person could hold his breath (second variable).
    • The researcher would then plot the data in a scatter plot, assigning "lung capacity" to the horizontal axis, and "time holding breath" to the vertical axis.
    • A person with a lung capacity of 400 ml who held his breath for 21.7 seconds would be represented by a single dot on the scatter plot at the point $(400, 21.7)$.
  • Scatter Diagram

    • To display values for "lung capacity" (first variable) and how long that person could hold his breath, a researcher would choose a group of people to study, then measure each one's lung capacity (first variable) and how long that person could hold his breath (second variable).
    • The researcher would then plot the data in a scatter plot, assigning "lung capacity" to the horizontal axis, and "time holding breath" to the vertical axis.
    • A person with a lung capacity of 400 ml who held his breath for 21.7 seconds would be represented by a single dot on the scatter plot at the point (400, 21.7) in the Cartesian coordinates.
  • The Work of Breathing

    • The number of breaths per minute is the respiratory rate; under non-exertion conditions, the human respiratory rate averages around 12–15 breaths/minute.
    • There are two ways to keep the alveolar ventilation constant: increase the respiratory rate while decreasing the tidal volume of air per breath (shallow breathing), or decrease the respiratory rate while increasing the tidal volume per breath.
    • When a balloon is first inflated, it takes a large amount of effort to stretch the plastic and start to inflate the balloon.
    • A change in either can dramatically alter breathing and the ability to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
    • They breathe at a very high lung volume to compensate for the lack of airway recruitment.
  • Breathing Patterns

    • Breathing is an autonomic process that moves air in and out of the lungs.
    • Breathing patterns refer to the respiratory rate, which is defined as the frequency of breaths over a period of time, as well as the amount of air cycled during breathing (tidal volume).
    • The respiratory rate is frequency of breaths over time.
    • During normal breathing, the volume of air cycled through inhalation and exhalation is called tidal volume (VT), and is the amount of air exchanged in a single breath.
    • Dyspnea: commonly called shortness of breath.
  • Types of Breathing

    • Types of breathing in humans include eupnea, hyperpnea, diaphragmatic, and costal breathing; each requires slightly different processes.
    • 2) Diaphragmatic breathing: a mode of breathing that requires the diaphragm to contract.
    • This type of breathing is also known as deep breathing.
    • 3) Costal breathing: a mode of breathing that requires contraction of the intercostal muscles.
    • This type of breathing is also known as shallow breathing.
  • Hantavirus

    • The name hantavirus comes from the Hantaan River area in South Korea, where the first known strain - Hantaan virus (HTNV) - was isolated in 1978.
    • HPS has been identified throughout the United States, and was first recognized in 1993 in the southwest where it was originally referred to as the "Four Corners disease. " The symptoms are very similar to those of HFRS.
    • Additionally, patients will develop difficulty breathing, coughing and shortness of breath, and may lead to cardiovascular shock.
    • Sickness begins with fever and muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and coughing.
  • The Reason for Breathing

    • Breathing allows for the delivery oxygen to internal tissues and cells where it is needed, and allows for the removal of CO2.
    • Breathing is the physiological process that moves air in and out of the lungs in terrestrial vertebrates.
    • Respiration is often referred to as breathing, but it can also mean cellular respiration, which is the main reason why breathing is important.
    • The respiratory system facilitates breathing.
    • One of the primary reasons for breathing is to regulate blood pH so that respiratory acidosis and alkalosis don't occur.
  • Thoracic Cage: Ribs

    • The thoracic cage can expand and contract to facilitate breathing in association with the diaphragm; it also protects the lungs, heart, and other organs of the thoracic cavity.
    • The first five ribs are termed true ribs because they attach directly to the sternum through the costal cartilage.
    • The first thoracic vertebra has a rib attached to it that curves across to the sternum.
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