What is the term for the two-phase mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs?

The term that describes the two-phase mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs is ventilation. Ventilation encompasses both inhalation, where air is drawn into the lungs, and exhalation, where air is expelled from the lungs. This process is essential for gas exchange, as it ensures that oxygen enters the lungs for diffusion into the bloodstream while also allowing carbon dioxide to be removed from the body.

While inhalation refers specifically to the intake of air, it does not encompass the entire process. Similarly, respiration generally refers to the biochemical processes of gas exchange at the cellular level, which is distinct from the physical act of moving air in and out of the lungs. Diffusion specifically pertains to the movement of gases across membranes rather than the mechanical process of airflow. Therefore, ventilation is the most accurate term for this mechanical process.