How is one complete cycle of inspiration and expiration commonly referred to?

The term for one complete cycle of inspiration and expiration is commonly referred to as breathing, or pulmonary ventilation. This process encompasses the inhalation of air into the lungs, where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide, followed by the exhalation of air, which removes carbon dioxide from the body.

Breathing is vital for maintaining proper gas exchange and ensuring that the body receives the oxygen it needs to function while eliminating carbon dioxide, a byproduct of cellular metabolism. This term encompasses both the rhythmic, passive process of quiet respiration, where breathing occurs at rest without conscious effort, and forced respiration, which involves more vigorous and muscular breathing efforts often needed during physical exertion.

The respiratory rate, on the other hand, is a measurement that indicates how many such cycles occur in a certain amount of time, typically expressed in breaths per minute. Quiet respiration refers specifically to the normal, resting breathing pattern rather than the complete cycle itself, while forced respiration describes the active inhalation and exhalation that occurs during strenuous activity. Thus, breathing (pulmonary ventilation) is the most encompassing and accurate term for a complete cycle of inspiration and expiration.