Active Ventilation:

• This type uses our muscles to help us breathe.
• It mainly relies on the diaphragm and the muscles between our ribs, called intercostal muscles.
• During exercise, it makes up about 60-70% of our breathing.
• It creates a vacuum in our chest area, which helps pull air into our lungs.

Passive Ventilation:

• This type depends on the stretchy nature of our lung tissue and chest wall.
• It happens when we quietly breathe out and makes up about 30-40% of our breathing when we are at rest.
• It doesn’t need much muscle effort, which helps save energy.

Key Difference:

• Active ventilation uses muscles, while passive ventilation uses the natural bounce back of lung tissues.