What does apnea indicate?

Apnea is defined as a temporary cessation of breathing, which occurs when airflow to the lungs stops for at least 10 seconds or longer. This condition can have various implications, such as indicating an underlying health issue, obstructive sleep apnea, or a response to certain medical conditions. Understanding apnea is crucial as it may lead to decreased oxygen supply to the body and can affect overall health.

Option B is the only choice that accurately identifies the nature and duration of the breathing cessation associated with apnea, highlighting its significance in medical assessments and monitoring. The other options describe different respiratory or cardiac conditions but do not accurately define what apnea itself is.