* Inhaling: Air enters the rabbit's nostrils and travels down the nasal passages. It then passes through the pharynx (the back of the throat) and into the trachea (windpipe).
* Lungs: The trachea branches into two bronchi, which lead to the lungs. Inside the lungs, the bronchi divide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles. These bronchioles end in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
* Gas Exchange: In the alveoli, oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the surrounding blood vessels. At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.
* Exhaling: The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, relaxes, and the rib cage contracts. This pushes the air out of the lungs and back through the trachea, pharynx, and nasal passages.
Interesting Rabbit Breathing Facts:
* Fast breathers: Rabbits breathe faster than humans, with a normal respiratory rate of 30-60 breaths per minute.
* Sensitive to heat: Rabbits can overheat easily, so they pant to cool down.
* "Thumping" chest: The rapid beating of a rabbit's heart can cause their chest to thump noticeably.
* Sniffing: Rabbits have a keen sense of smell and use their noses to take in lots of information about their surroundings.
Let me know if you'd like to learn more about any of these aspects of rabbit breathing!