What does the term "-pnea" refer to in medical terminology?

The term "-pnea" in medical terminology specifically refers to respiration or breathing. It is derived from the Greek word "pnoia," which means breath. This suffix is commonly used in various medical terms that describe different conditions related to breathing. For example, "tachypnea" indicates rapid breathing, while "dyspnea" refers to difficulty in breathing. Understanding the meaning of "-pnea" is crucial for interpreting medical terms that relate to respiratory function, as it provides insight into how a patient is breathing or any abnormalities that may be present.

The other options provided focus on different physiological processes: rapid heart rate relates to cardiac function, pain sensation pertains to nociception or the experience of pain, and inflammation of the lungs refers to conditions like pneumonia. These terms do not share the same root or meaning as "-pnea," which is specifically tied to respiration.