What is pulmonary ventilation primarily described as?

Pulmonary ventilation refers specifically to the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, which encompasses the act of breathing. This involves inhalation, where air is drawn into the lungs, and exhalation, where air is expelled. The term focuses on the mechanical aspect of breathing rather than the chemical processes that occur after air reaches the alveoli, such as gas exchange or oxygen transport. By understanding pulmonary ventilation in this context, it becomes clear that the act of drawing a breath accurately describes the primary function involved, emphasizing the physical movement of air essential for respiration.