Final answer:
Normal respirations in humans occur approximately 12-20 times per minute, with infants breathing faster than adults. This rate is crucial for maintaining proper alveolar ventilation and gas exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normal respirations occur approximately 12-20 times per minute. During non-exertion conditions, the average human respiratory rate is typically 12-15 breaths per minute. This rate can serve as an important indicator of one's overall health. Children have a higher respiratory rate than adults, with infants under one year breathing at a rate of 30-60 times per minute, which then decreases with age.
By adolescence, their rate approximates that of adults, ranging from 12 to 18 breaths per minute. This regular rhythmic breathing is crucial for maintaining efficient alveolar ventilation, ensuring a proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and avoiding the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the alveoli.