Distinguish between Inspiration and Expiration

Explanation

Inspiration : Intake of atmospheric air into the lungs is called inspiration. It is an active process, as it takes place by the contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm and the external inter-costal muscles which extend in between the ribs. The contraction of diaphragm increases the volume of thoracic chamber in the anterio posterior axis. The contraction of external inter costal muscles lifts up the ribs and sternum causing an increase in the dorso-ventral axis. The overall increase in the thoracic volume causes a similar increase in the pulmonary volume. An increase in the pulmonary volume decreases the intra-pulmonary pressure to less than that of the atmosphere, which forces the air from the outside to move into the lungs, that is inspiration.
Expiration : Release of alveolar air to the exterior is called expiration. It is a passive process. Relaxation of the diaphragm and external inter-costal muscles returns the diaphragm and sternum to their normal positions, and reduces the thoracic volume and thereby the pulmonary volume. This leads to an increase in the intra-pulmonary pressure to slightly above that of the atmospheric pressure, causing the expulsion of air from the lungs, that is called expiration.