Exhalation is a passive process because of the elastic properties of the lungs. ... Relaxation of the thoracic diaphragm causes contraction of the pleural cavity which puts pressure on the lungs to expel the air. Brain control of exhalation can be broken down into voluntary control and involuntary control.

Why is inhalation active and exhalation passive?

Air rushes out of the lungs due to the pressure gradient between the thoracic cavity and the atmosphere. This movement of air out of the lungs is classified as a passive event since there are no muscles contracting to expel the air.

Is exhalation passive process?

When breathing for life, inhalation is active involving many muscles and exhalation is passive.