Ben walks to college every day. While participating in a race, he observes that his breathing rate is higher than his breathing rate when he walks. He also notices that his breathing rate is lower when he lies down.
Respiration in this sentence refers to gaseous exchange resulting from inhalation and exhalation (CO2 carbon dioxide release and O2 oxygen uptake). The term "respiration" designates the energy production by the cells.
The regulation of the respiration is ensured by the autonomic nervous system which ensures a synthesis between the action of the sympathetic system (reduction of the amplitude and acceleration of the respiratory rate, like in a race) and the action of the parasympathetic system (increase of the amplitude and slowing down respiratory rhythm, when lying down for example).
