Which term describes the act of inhaling foreign objects into the lungs?

The term that describes the act of inhaling foreign objects into the lungs is aspiration. This process occurs when materials such as food, liquids, or other substances accidentally enter the trachea and lungs instead of the esophagus, which can lead to serious respiratory issues or infections such as aspiration pneumonia. Understanding aspiration is crucial in a veterinary context, as animals can also experience this when they eat or drink too quickly or have certain health conditions that predispose them to the risk of inhaling foreign materials.

The other terms do not relate to the act of inhaling foreign objects. Dentition refers to the development and arrangement of teeth, calculus refers to hardened dental plaque on teeth, and heat stroke is a severe condition caused by overheating, which does not involve the respiratory system or foreign object inhalation.