What term is used to describe all bodily functions other than physical activity?

The term that describes all bodily functions other than physical activity is basal metabolism. Basal metabolism refers to the energy expended by the body at rest to maintain essential physiological functions, such as breathing, circulation, cellular production, and regulation of body temperature, among others. This energy expenditure occurs while the body is in a post-absorptive state, meaning that it has not recently eaten, and the individual is awake but at rest.

Understanding basal metabolism is critical as it constitutes the largest portion of total daily energy expenditure for most people. It highlights the body's intrinsic requirement for energy to sustain life, independent of any activities or exercise. This is distinct from metabolism in general, which encompasses all chemical processes in the body, including those associated with physical activity, digestion, and absorption, thereby emphasizing why the other terms may not capture the specific definition being asked in the question.