Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Movement of air into and out of the lungs is defined​ as:

1. Respiration

2. Ventilation

3. Perfusion

4. Oxygenation

The correct answer is: Ventilation

The correct answer is associated with the process that specifically refers to the mechanical movement of air into and out of the lungs. This process, known as ventilation, is essential for providing oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of metabolism. Ventilation involves two main phases: inhalation (or inspiration), where air is drawn into the lungs, and exhalation (or expiration), where air is expelled. This movement is facilitated by the action of the diaphragm and other muscles of respiration. Proper ventilation is critical for maintaining adequate gas exchange, which is the primary function of the lungs. The other terms relate to different aspects of respiratory physiology but do not define the movement of air itself. Respiration refers to the overall process of gas exchange, which includes both ventilation and the exchange of gases at the alveolar level and at the tissue level. Perfusion involves the flow of blood to the lungs, allowing for the necessary exchange of gases between the blood and air in the alveoli. Oxygenation specifically refers to the process of adding oxygen to the blood, which occurs as part of respiration but is not synonymous with the movement of air into and out of the lungs.