The science of breathing is called pranayama. In fact, the breath control or regulation of breath which includes extension and expansion of breath in a conscious way is called pranayama. Oxygen is the most vital nutrient to our body and it is essential for the best function of vital organs - brain, nerves, glands and internal abdominal organs. We can live without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen, we cannot and shall die within a few minutes.
The word ' pra ' means to fill and ' na ' is to live. If we join these two root words, they are translated as filled with life. Ayama on the other hand means 'stretch' or 'expansion' or 'prolongation'. Consequently, pranayama can be translated accordingly as extension of vital force which we inhale and exhale.
