How do reptiles breathe?

Reptiles breathe in much the same way as humans do, inhaling and exhaling through their lungs. Some reptile species may be able to assist breathing through different means, such as permeable skin for gas exchange in aquatic turtles, but all reptiles must breathe through their lungs to survive.

While lungs are required for all reptiles, how the air gets in and out of the lungs varies by species. Some species move air in and out of the lungs by axial musculature, while others use buccal pumping to be able to run for long distances without needing to stop to breathe. Crocodilians are the reptiles that breathe in a manner most similar to humans.