ventilation

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ventilation (ven-ti-lay-shŏn) n.
1. the passage of air into and out of the respiratory tract. In the alveoli of the lungs gas exchange is most efficient when matched by an adequate blood flow (perfusion). Ventilation/perfusion imbalance is an important cause of anoxia and cyanosis.

2. maintenance or support of the breathing movements of patients either by the insertion of an endotracheal tube (see intubation) or by noninvasive means (see noninvasive ventilation). See also ventilator.

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