Which term describes a temporary cessation of breathing?

The term that accurately describes a temporary cessation of breathing is "apnea." This condition refers specifically to a pause in respiration that can last for a few seconds to even longer and can occur due to various reasons such as sleep disorders or medical conditions affecting the respiratory system.

In contrast, aspiration refers to the act of inhaling food, liquid, or other substances into the airway, which does not pertain to the cessation of breathing. Asphyxia involves a lack of oxygen that can lead to suffocation, typically resulting from complete obstruction of the airway—this is a more severe and ongoing condition rather than a temporary pause. Hyperventilation describes rapid or deep breathing that results in excessive loss of carbon dioxide, which is the opposite of apnea. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the concept and emphasizes the significance of recognizing apnea in clinical settings.