Definition of Ventilation

Ventilation: The exchange of air between the lungs and the atmosphere so that oxygen can be exchanged for carbon dioxide in the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs).

In pulmonary medicine, a distinction is made between pulmonary and alveolar ventilation. Pulmonary ventilation refers to the total exchange of gas. Alveolar ventilation refers only to the effective ventilation within the alveoli.

Not to be confused with psychological ventilation in which a person airs out their feeling and puts their problems into words.