Which term is defined as the process of breathing that includes capillary gas exchange?

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Multiple Choice

Which term is defined as the process of breathing that includes capillary gas exchange?

Gas exchange between air and blood is the key feature here. Respiration describes the entire breathing process, including the diffusion of oxygen into capillary blood and the removal of carbon dioxide into the alveolar air at the alveolar-capillary membrane. Ventilation is only the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs and does not by itself describe gas exchange. Hypoxia is a state of low tissue oxygen, not the breathing process, and respiratory distress refers to trouble breathing, not the gas exchange mechanism. So the term that includes capillary gas exchange is respiration.

Gas exchange between air and blood is the key feature here. Respiration describes the entire breathing process, including the diffusion of oxygen into capillary blood and the removal of carbon dioxide into the alveolar air at the alveolar-capillary membrane. Ventilation is only the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs and does not by itself describe gas exchange. Hypoxia is a state of low tissue oxygen, not the breathing process, and respiratory distress refers to trouble breathing, not the gas exchange mechanism. So the term that includes capillary gas exchange is respiration.

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