Final answer:
The term that matches with the definition 'a respiratory rate that is too slow, fewer than 8 breaths per minute' is bradypnea, which signifies a respiratory rate below the normal range of 12-15 breaths per minute for a resting adult.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition 'a respiratory rate that is too slow, fewer than 8 breaths per minute' matches with the term bradypnea. Bradypnea is the medical term used to describe a respiratory rate that is slower than normal, which is usually 12-15 breaths per minute in a resting adult. In contrast, tachypnea refers to a respiratory rate that is excessively fast, dyspnea refers to difficulty or labored breathing, and diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. If alveolar ventilation is too low, indicating inadequate air movement through the alveoli, the body will attempt to compensate by increasing the respiratory rate while decreasing the volume of air per breath, as seen in the response to hypoxia or high carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Conversely, if alveolar ventilation is too high, the body may decrease the respiratory rate and increase the tidal volume per breath to maintain proper gas exchange.