What is the meaning of apnea?

The term "apnea" specifically refers to a temporary cessation of breathing. It is commonly associated with conditions such as sleep apnea, where an individual's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This interruption can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the body and can have significant health effects if it occurs frequently.

The other options describe entirely different medical conditions: the surgical removal of the appendix is known as an appendectomy, an irregular heartbeat is referred to as arrhythmia, and defective muscle coordination pertains to a condition known as ataxia. Each of these terms has distinct meanings within the medical field, further underscoring that apnea is specifically related to breathing. Understanding these definitions helps in identifying various medical phenomena and conditions accurately.