Which term refers to the absence of breathing?

• A. Polyp
• B. Apnea
• C. Meninges
• D. Idiopathic

Answer: (B)

Apnea is the term that denotes the absence of breathing. It describes a stoppage or significant pause in airflow, which can occur briefly during sleep (sleep apnea) or due to various conditions affecting breathing control or airway obstruction. This is different from dyspnea, which means difficulty or labored breathing.

The other terms don’t fit this concept: a polyp is an abnormal growth on mucous membranes, meninges are the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, and idiopathic means a condition with no identified cause. So, apnea is the correct term for the absence of breathing.