What process is referred to when the body takes in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide?

The process in which the body takes in oxygen and expels carbon dioxide is known as respiration. This vital physiological function occurs through two main phases: inhalation, where oxygen is drawn into the lungs, and exhalation, where carbon dioxide is expelled. During respiration, gas exchange takes place in the alveoli of the lungs, where oxygen is transferred to the blood while carbon dioxide is removed.

While oxygenation, which is suggested as an answer, refers specifically to the addition of oxygen to the blood, it is a part of the larger respiratory process. In contrast, circulation is associated with the movement of blood throughout the body, transporting oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste products. Digestion, on the other hand, involves the breakdown of food to extract nutrients and is unrelated to the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Understanding respiration is crucial, as it is a foundational concept in nursing and healthcare, influencing various areas such as patient assessment, management of respiratory disorders, and overall patient care.