Final answer:
Ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs for gas exchange, involving inhalation and exhalation driven by diaphragmatic and lung pressure changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ventilation is the mechanical process of moving air in and out of the lungs. This is essential for gas exchange, where oxygen from the air we breathe is transferred to the blood, and carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, is expelled from the blood into the air within the lungs. The respiratory system uses various pressures such as atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-alveolar pressure (Palv), and intrapleural pressure (Pip) to facilitate the breathing process which includes inhaling, an active phase driven by the diaphragm's contraction, and exhaling, a passive phase due to the lung's elasticity.
Inhalation introduces air into the alveoli, where oxygen is then passed into the bloodstream, and exhaling releases carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the alveoli to be expelled from the body. Proper ventilation is critical for efficient gas exchange, ensuring that oxygen levels within the alveoli are sufficient to maintain blood oxygenation while removing carbon dioxide effectively.