Anatomy of Breathing

First of all, what is breath?

Breath is the air we take in and let out.
Breathing is the act of inhaling and exhaling.
Breathing is usually done subconsciously, but as singers we must breathe consciously.
As I did research for this presentation, I came across an interesting diagram.
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I think it does a great job summarizing what makes breathing for singing different from regular
breathing.
Isn’t it interesting that as singers we intuitively figure how much air we need to sing a phrase and
how to ration it? This wasn’t something I ever thought about before doing this research and I
think it’s truly amazing.
Now what happens anatomically as we breathe?
Let’s start with a “thought” experiment: Imagine taking a breath. Visualize the air entering your
mouth or nose, going down your throat, filling your lungs, and coming back out. It sounds
simple, but a lot is happening to that air in the milliseconds it takes to reach the lungs.
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Overall, during inhalation, air enters through the nose or mouth and travels down the
PHARYNX, the LARYNX, and TRACHEA, into the BRONCHI [brɒŋ-kaɪ], BRONCHIOLES
[brɒŋ-ki-olz], and ALVEOLI [al-vi-o-laɪ].
During exhalation, the air exits the lungs, through the ALVEOLI, BRONCHIOLES [brɒŋ-ki-
olz], and BRONCHI, and up into the TRACHEA, LARYNX, and PHARYNX, and out the
mouth or nose.
It’s important to note the differences between breathing through our nose or mouth.
  The nose filters, moistens, and warms the air we inhale. The nasal passage contains cilia
[sɪl-i-ə] and has a mucosal membrane. Cilia are small hair-like structures that trap dust
and allergens. A mucosal membrane is a protective lining that secretes mucus, which
moistens the air. The membrane also consists of blood vessels which warm the air.
 When we breathe using our mouth, the air isn’t filtered or thoroughly moistened and
warmed. However, the mouth’s warm and moist environment will help humidify and
warm the air some.
After we breathe through our nose or mouth, the air travels to the PHARYNX.
The PHARYNX can be divided into three parts.
1. Upper - The nasopharynx which is behind the nasal cavity.
2. Middle - The oropharynx, which is located behind the oral cavity.
3. Lower - The laryngopharynx, which connects to the LARYNX and esophagus.
 When we inhale, the PHARYNX continues to moisten and warm the air before it reaches
the lungs.
o The PHARYNX is a muscular tube that has a mucosal membrane like the nasal
passage, which allows it to moisten and warm the air we inhale.
 The PHARYNX then directs the air into the LARYNX.
The LARYNX is just below the PHARYNX at the base of the tongue.
 It contains the vocal folds and directs air into the TRACHEA.
 At the top of the LARYNX sits the epiglottis, which is a leaf-shaped cartilage. The
epiglottis folds over the vocal folds whenever we swallow and directs any solids or
liquids into the esophagus. However, during the breathing process, it remains upright,
allowing air to pass through the glottis, which refers to the space between the vocal folds,
and into the TRACHEA.
The TRACHEA sits right below the LARYNX.
 The TRACHEA is a tube reinforced with U-shaped cartilage rings with smooth muscle
between the rings.
 Like the nasal passage and PHARYNX, the TRACHEA also has cilia and a mucosal
membrane to further filter the air.
 The TRACHEA then directs the air into the BRONCHI.
The BRONCHI are connected to the TRACHEA.
 The bottom of the TRACHEA divides like an inverted Y. The two stems are called the
BRONCHI.
 The BRONCHI regulate the amount of air that enters the lungs. The walls of the
BRONCHI are just like the TRACHEA: U-shaped cartilage rings and smooth muscle
between the rings. This muscle can contract and relax.
 o For example, during exercise the bronchi will relax to increase the diameter of the
BRONCHI allowing more air to enter the lungs. When we stop exercising the
BRONCHI will contract, decreasing its diameter and allowing in less air.
o Another example, when someone has an asthma attack, their BRONCHI are
contracted, so that very little air is getting into the lungs making it difficult to
breathe. An inhaler delivers medicine that causes the BRONCHI to relax allowing
air to travel normally.
 The BRONCHI continue to filter the air using its cilia similar to the TRACHEA.
 And it distributes air between the left and right lungs into the BRONCHIOLES [brɒŋ-ki-
olz].
The BRONCHIOLES are essentially small branches of the BRONCHI.
 BRONCHIOLES [brɒŋ-ki-olz] do not have cartilage rings to hold its shape. Instead, it is
made up of smooth muscle.
 Like the BRONCHI, they contract and relax to regulate airflow. However, their main
function is to lead the air to the ALVEOLI [al-vi-o-laɪ].
The ALVEOLI are located at the end of the BRONCHIOLES [brɒŋ-ki-olz].
 The average adult human has 300 million ALVEOLI [al-vi-o-laɪ].
 ALVEOLI are clustered together and are responsible for the gas exchange where oxygen
enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream.
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So, to summarize
1. We inhale through our mouth or nose.
2. The air then passes through the PHARYNX, which helps moisten and warm the air we
breathe.
3. The air is directed into the LARNYX, where the epiglottis remains open so that air can
pass through the glottis and into the TRACHEA.
4. The TRACHEA filters the air using its cilia and mucosal membrane.
5. It is then directed into the BRONCHI, which continues to filter the air but more
importantly regulates and distributes the amount of air into the left and right lungs.
6. The air continues through the BRONCHIOLES [brɒŋ-ki-olz], which are smaller branches
of the BRONCHI and direct the air into the ALVEOLI [al-vi-o-laɪ].
7. The ALVEOLI is where oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed.
8. During exhalation, the carbon dioxide follows the same path but in reverse.
Now that we understand the pathway of the air we breathe, let’s talk about the other parts of the
body that are involved in breathing.
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The breathing cycle can be broken down into two parts: Inspiration (inhalation) and Expiration
(exhalation).
Dr. James Jordan, author of The Musicians Breath breaks down the Inhalation Process as
follows:
1. “Ribs of the back traverse or travel outward, with each rib traveling at its own rate.”
o Our ribcage consists of ribs and the intercostal muscles which are located between
the ribs. When we breathe in, the contraction of the intercostal muscles allows our
ribcage to expand, moving outward and upward.
2. “The Diaphragm moves from a more domed to a less domed position.”
o The Diaphragm sits just beneath the lungs. It is connected to the lower ribs and
spine. It is the most important muscle in expanding the chest cavity.
o The Diaphragm is a domed-shaped muscle and when it contracts, it becomes less
domed and pushes our abdominal organs out of the way.
o We’ve all probably experienced getting the air or “wind” knocked out of us. This
is brought on by a sudden blow to the diaphragm. The diaphragm spasms keeping
it in its relaxed domed position making it difficult to inhale.
3. “The Abdominal Walls (front and sides) move outward.
o Because the Diaphragm is pushing on our abdominal organs our Abdominal
Walls expand to accommodate that extra pressure.
o The Abdominal Wall is cylindrical, so that is why we can feel an expansion in
our back as well as the front and sides.
4. “The Pelvic Floor drops slightly.”
o The Pelvic Floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis. It lowers itself
slightly in response to the increased pressure in the Abdominal Walls.
All these things happen to expand the chest cavity. This expansion causes the pressure within the
lungs, or intrapulmonary pressure, to drop below the atmospheric pressure. And since air likes to
move from areas of high pressure to low pressure, air flows into the lungs.
Dr. James Jordan also breaks down the Exhalation Process as follows:
1. “Ribs of the back traverse or travel inward, with each rib traveling at its rate.”
o The intercostal muscles relax causing our ribs to move inward.
2. “The Diaphragm moves from a less domed to a more domed position.”
o The Diaphragm relaxes returning to its domed shape.
3. “The Abdominal Walls (front and sides) move inward.”
4. “The Pelvic Floor raises slightly.”
All these things happen to reduce the volume of the chest cavity. This leads to an increase in
intrapulmonary pressure causing air to expel out of the lungs.
To summarize the breathing cycle:
 During Inhalation, the Ribs expand outward, the Diaphragm contracts, the Abdominal
Walls move outward, and the Pelvic Floor lowers slightly. The intrapulmonary pressure
drops causing air to flow into the lungs.
 During Exhalation, the Ribs travel inward, the Diaphragm relaxes, the Abdominal
Walls move inward, and the Pelvic Floor raises slightly. The intrapulmonary pressure
increases causing air to expel out the lungs.
Now that we’ve discussed the breathing cycle, let’s discuss two different breathing techniques:
(1) Diaphragmatic breathing and (2) Chest breathing.
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When I was in middle school, my mom was teaching a public speaking course. One day she told
me to lie on the floor and asked me to breathe normally. She then had me put books on my chest
and stomach and told me to minimize the movement of the book on my chest. This was my first
introduction to Diaphragmatic and Chest breathing.
During Diaphragmatic Breathing:
 The focus is on engaging the Diaphragm. The Diaphragm is the muscle most
responsible for expanding the chest cavity.
 These breaths allow us to take in more oxygen for deep, slow breaths.
 Diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers
the heart rate and blood pressure. This is why deep breathing is used to help reduce
anxiety.
During Chest Breathing:
 The Diaphragm is still engaged, but it doesn’t contract as much as it does in
Diaphragmatic breathing. The intercostal muscles between the ribs are the primary
muscle used in the expansion of the chest cavity
 These breaths are shallower and quicker.
 Chest breathing stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing a release of
hormones like adrenaline. This is why humans tend to resort to chest breathing during
periods of stress or fear. Our bodies are preparing themselves to either confront or run
from whatever threat.
o You’ll also notice in athletes or in yourself after intense physical activity that
you’ll start chest breathing because it gets oxygen to the brain faster than
Diaphragmatic breathing even if its not as efficient.
Now as singers, we are always told how important breath is. Physically, we need breath to make
sound and to sing through phrases and add dynamics. However, there’s also a major
psychological factor in breathing. Deep breathing helps us feel grounded and in control.
In high school I auditioned for the mid-state choir. I was extremely nervous, and as soon as I
started singing, my pitch was off and my voice was shaking. I remember taking shallow breaths
and realizing that I need to get control of my voice. I consciously focused on taking deep,
diaphragmatic breaths. Even though it was challenging, focusing on my breath helped calm my
nerves and stabilize my pitch. I truly believe that focusing on my breath was the reason I made
the mid-state choir that year. The year prior I had auditioned for mid-state choir as well and
though I don’t recall what my breathing was like, I remember being nervous and my voice being
shaky then too, but I let the nerves keep hold of me.
I tell this story because breath is something we can control in our singing. Our voices are very
personal instruments and react differently depending on a variety of factors: whether it’s our
health, if we’re tired, and how we manage our nerves. So, if we learn how to control our breath,
we will enhance our performance and help manage our emotions.
So, in summary we have discussed the Passage of Air, The Process of Inhalation and Exhalation,
and Diaphragmatic breathing vs. Chest breathing.
I want to end this presentation with a couple breathing exercises.
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For the first exercise, we are going to evaluate our breath.
This exercise is taken from The Musicians Breath by Dr. James Jordan.
1. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, back straight, and head balanced.
2. Close your eyes and observe your breath. Is it: Slow or fast? Deep or shallow? Smooth or
jerky? Fluid or held?
3. Now take a “conscious deep breath.” Is this easy or difficult for you to do? Can you feel
an expansion in your ribcage, abdomen, and back? Do you feel the breath getting stuck
anywhere on the inhale?
4. On the next exhale, breathe out evenly and slowly. Is there any tension on the exhale or
does it feel free?
Now breath in and out about 10ish more times. Where is the tension or as Dr. Jordan calls it
“blockage?” These blockages could be in the shoulders, upper back, ribs, abdominal walls, or
even the hips. Try to work through the tension with each breath,
5. Let your breathing return to normal. You may notice that your breathing pattern has
changed since before we began the exercise.
Now that we’ve taken some deep breaths and worked through some of our tension let’s do an
exercise that will challenge your exhalation flow.
 We are going to inhale through our nose for 4 counts and exhale through our mouth for 8
counts.
 [Do it again and exhale for 15 counts and then again for and exhale for 20 counts]
These two exercises focused on strengthening the diaphragm. Having a strong diaphragm will
help your singing in many ways. Not only will it increase your breath capacity, but it will also
increase your vocal stamina, which will help you with all things musical.
Thank you for your time, are there any questions?
 Bibliography

Conable, Barbara. The Structures and Movement of Breathing: A Primer for Choirs and

Choruses. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2000.

Jordan, James, Mark Moliterno, and Nova Thomas. The Musician's Breath: The Role of

Breathing in Human Expression. Chicago: GIA Publications, Inc., 2011.

K&M Music School. "15 Science-Backed Breathing Exercises to Improve Your Singing Voice."

K&M Music School Blog. Accessed September 2, 2024.

https://kandmmusicschool.com/blogs/voice-lessons/15-science-backed-breathing-

exercises-to-improve-your-singing-voice/.

Rad, Adrian. "Anatomy of Breathing." Kenhub. Reviewed by Prof. Elizabeth O. Johnson, PhD.

Last reviewed August 31, 2023. https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/anatomy-

of-breathing (accessed August 31, 2024).

Rogers, Kara, ed. The Respiratory System. 1st edition. New York: Britannica Educational Pub. in

association with Rosen Educational Services, 2011.