Physiology · Respiratory System · Hard

Hyperpnoea

Meaning: An increase in the depth and rate of breathing to meet metabolic demand, such as during exercise.

In practice: Exercise causes hyperpnoea that closely matches the body's increased carbon dioxide production.

Word parts

  • hyper- means above or more than normal
  • -pnoea means breathing

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: The breakdown and removal of bone by osteoclasts, releasing minerals into the blood.

Which word means: The phase of the heartbeat when the ventricles contract and pump blood out.

Words like hyperpnoea come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More physiology terms · All medical words