Final answer:
The medical word for breathing in foreign matter into the lungs is 'aspiration.' This can lead to health problems like pneumonia. Respiration includes inhalation, guided by the diaphragm, and exhalation, when the air is expelled from the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for the process of accidentally breathing in foreign matter into the lungs is "aspiration." Aspiration can occur when substances such as food, drink, vomit, or other materials are inhaled into the lungs rather than being swallowed into the esophagus and directed towards the stomach. This process can lead to various health issues, including pneumonia and other lung infections.
Respiration, which includes both inhalation and exhalation, is the broader process of ventilation. Inhalation is the active process principally facilitated by the muscle called the diaphragm. This creates a pressure difference that allows air to fill the lungs. Upon exhalation, which is typically passive, the diaphragm relaxes and the elastic recoil of the lungs helps to push the air out.
In addition to the role of the diaphragm, the respiratory system involves several other organs that help in the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) necessary for cellular respiration. This is fundamental for maintaining the body's metabolism and overall function.