the process by which living organisms exchange gases, primarily taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide; breathing
respiration
the process by which air enters your lungs
inhalation
the action of sending air out of your lungs
exhalation
alveole
microscopic balloon-shaped structures located at the end of the respiratory tree.
*They expand during inhalation, taking in oxygen, and shrink during exhalation, expelling carbon dioxide
diaphragm
thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen