What is the term for the process of breathing in called?

The term for the process of breathing in is called inhalation. Inhalation refers specifically to the action of drawing air into the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. During this process, the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and allowing air to flow in through the nose or mouth, down the trachea, and into the lungs. Understanding inhalation is essential to grasp the overall respiratory process, which also includes exhalation, where air is expelled from the lungs.

Inhalation is a critical component of respiration, which encompasses not only inhaling and exhaling but also the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the cellular level. Ventilation refers to the mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs, which includes both inhalation and exhalation, while exhalation specifically describes the breathing out phase.