How Do Whales Breathe?

The Blowhole

All whales take air into their respiratory system from a blowhole, which acts as a nostril and is located on the top of a whale's back. Whales that use baleen to catch food normally have two blowholes, while whales with teeth have just one. The blowhole functions as a muscle, opening to allow air in. When air and water are seen spitting from a whale's blowhole, the whale is actually exhaling.

The Trachea

From the blowhole, air is taken through the whale's trachea like most other animals. However, whales are able to open their mouths underwater and breathe at the same time, because a whale's trachea is not connected to its throat.

The Lungs

After traveling through the trachea, air goes into the whale's lungs, which are extremely strong and enable whales to hold their breath under water for much longer than human beings. In fact, the sperm whale can take one large breath and stay under water for two hours. When the air is in the whale's lungs, oxygen is sent into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released.