Ventilation

Definition

Ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs to facilitate gas exchange with the internal environment, primarily to bring in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It involves both the mechanical act of breathing and the use of respiratory structures like the diaphragm and chest muscles.

Related terms

Respiration:

The biochemical process by which cells use oxygen to convert glucose into energy, producing carbon dioxide as a waste product.

Diaphragm:

A large, dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs that contracts and relaxes to aid in the inhalation and exhalation process during ventilation.

Gas Exchange:

The process by which oxygen is absorbed from the air into the bloodstream within the lungs and carbon dioxide is released from blood into the lungs to be exhaled