1. Inhalation and exhalation in which the abdominal muscles perform the major part of the respiratory effort: Such abdominal breathing may be seen in various abnormal conditions, such as a cerebrovascular accident, a spinal cord injury, and coma.

Singers practice abdominal breathing so they can enhance their vocal performances.

2. The process of inhaling and exhaling is supplemented by abdominal wall muscles that compress the contents of the abdomen and indirectly raise the diaphragm; diaphragmatic breathing: This kind of deep breathing, or abdominal breathing, is shown by the expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing.

Abdominal breathing is generally considered a healthier and fuller way to ingest oxygen, and it is often used as a therapy for hyperventilation, anxiety disorders and stuttering.

A controlled breathing pattern using reciprocal action of the abdominal muscles for expiration, breathing out, and the diaphragm for inspiration, breathing in: Abdominodiaphragmatic breathing is used to maintain control during exertion or to regain control in dyspnea, which is the difficulty in breathing, often associated with lung or heart diseases and resulting in shortness of breath.

1. A form of breathing in which periods of apnea are interrupted by several consecutive deep breaths.

It is said to be a sign of meningitis.

2. Breathing marked by several short breaths followed by long, irregular periods of apnea.

It is seen in patients with increased intracranial pressure.

Named for Camille Biot, French physician, born in 1878.

These two terms are NOT based on the "bio" element; however, they are placed here to clarify any confusion someone might have when seeing the terms in use.