Course Structure at a Glance
Functional Anatomy of Breathing has been structured as a progressive journey through the human respiratory system. Each module builds upon the knowledge introduced in the previous one, moving from the fundamental purpose of respiration into detailed anatomy, respiratory mechanics, neurological regulation, biochemistry, dysfunctional breathing patterns and the practical application of breath training.
The course begins by establishing why breathing is essential to life and how respiration supports the wider functioning of the body. From there, you will develop a progressively deeper understanding of the structures involved in breathing, including the respiratory tract, lungs, diaphragm and rib cage. The course then moves beyond anatomy to examine how breathing is regulated by the nervous system and how oxygen, carbon dioxide and blood chemistry influence respiratory function.
In the later modules, this anatomical and physiological knowledge is applied to common breathing patterns and the principles of breath training. The final module brings these different areas together, considering how breathing can be understood and practised as an adaptable process that interacts with movement, posture, nervous-system regulation and whole-body function.
The course is therefore designed to move from foundation to understanding, and from understanding to application. By the end of the programme, you should have developed a clearer understanding of not only what the respiratory system is, but how its different components work together and how this knowledge can inform conscious breathing practice.
|
Module |
Topic |
|
Module 1 |
The Miracle of Breathing — Why Breath Is Life |
|
Module 2 |
Anatomy of the Respiratory System |
|
Module 3 |
The Diaphragm in Depth — The Primary Breathing Muscle |
|
Module 4 |
Rib Mechanics and Thoracic Breathing |
|
Module 5 |
Breathing and the Nervous System — The Autonomic Bridge |
|
Module 6 |
The Biochemistry of Breath — Gases, pH and the Blood |
|
Module 7 |
Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns and Their Consequences |
|
Module 8 |
Breathing, Practice and Longevity — The Science of Breath Training |
Assessment
Your learning is assessed through a combination of knowledge, visual anatomy, practical observation and reflective work. This allows you to demonstrate your understanding in more than one way and provides a balanced assessment of both theoretical knowledge and its practical application.
|
Assessment |
Marks |
|---|---|
|
Knowledge Examination |
30 |
|
Visual Anatomy Assessment 1 |
10 |
|
Visual Anatomy Assessment 2 |
10 |
|
Breathing Observation & Analysis |
30 |
|
Reflection Essay |
20 |
|
Total |
100 |
The assessment structure reflects the overall purpose of the course. You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology, recognise important anatomical structures, apply your understanding when observing breathing, and reflect on how the different elements of the course connect.
Together, the eight modules and five assessment components provide a complete pathway from understanding the fundamental biology of respiration to developing a more integrated and informed approach to breathing practice.