Which term refers to accelerated respiration?

The term that refers to accelerated respiration is tachypnea. Tachypnea is characterized by an increased respiratory rate, typically defined as more than 20 breaths per minute in adults. This increase in breathing rate can occur in various conditions, often as a response to physiological stress, exercise, or illness, where the body requires more oxygen or is attempting to expel carbon dioxide more efficiently.

In contrast, hyperventilation refers to an increased rate and depth of breathing that can lead to decreased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Orthopnea is a specific type of dyspnea that occurs when a person is lying down and is relieved by sitting or standing up. Apnea, on the other hand, is the cessation of breathing for a period of time. Understanding these distinctions is crucial as they reflect different underlying physiological mechanisms and clinical contexts related to respiration.