Final answer:
Orthopnea is the condition where breathing is easier in an upright position and is related to respiratory or cardiac illnesses. Unconscious breathing is controlled by the brain's respiratory centers, while conscious control can adjust breathing during activities like exercise. Nasal breathing is superior to mouth breathing due to its filtering and warming of inhaled air.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "Breathing is easier in an upright position" relates to the condition known as Orthopnea. Orthopnea is distinctly characterized by difficulty in breathing which is relieved when sitting or standing upright, as opposed to lying down. This condition can be observed in various forms of respiratory or cardiac illnesses, where fluid may accumulate in the lungs when in a horizontal position, making it harder to breathe. Regarding the control of breathing, it's a combination of conscious and unconscious control mechanisms. Unconscious breathing is regulated by the respiratory centers of the brain, maintaining a consistent breathing cycle. Conscious control allows us to regulate our breathing when speaking or singing, and can intervene in case of the need for deeper or faster breathing, like during exercise due to the stimulation of proprioceptors in muscles and joints, resulting in hyperpnea. When comparing nasal breathing to mouth breathing, nasal breathing is generally considered superior. This is due to the fact that the nasal passages warm and filter the air we inhale, besides playing a significant role in immune defense and the regulation of airflow and resistance to ensure optimal gas exchange in the lungs.