What does pulmonary respiration refer to?

Pulmonary respiration specifically refers to the process of gas exchange that takes place in the lungs. This encompasses the transfer of oxygen from inhaled air into the bloodstream and the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood, which is then exhaled. This physiological process is essential for maintaining the body’s oxygen levels and eliminating carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism.

In the context of the other choices, the first option pertains to the act of breathing or ventilation but does not capture the essential function of gas exchange. Blood circulation throughout the body is related to how oxygen is transported after it enters the bloodstream through the lungs, making it a separate process from pulmonary respiration. The last option incorrectly associates gas exchange with the stomach, which is not involved in the respiratory process but rather in digestion.