Question

During a physical examination, joe learns that his resting tidal volume is 500 ml; his average resting respiratory rate is 12 breaths per minute; his total lung capacity is 6000 ml; and his anatomic dead space is 150 ml. Joe's resting alveolar ventilation is

Answer 1

Answer:

Dead space represents the volume of ventilated air that does not participate in gas exchange. The two types of dead space are anatomical dead space and physiologic dead space. Anatomical dead space is represented by the volume of air that fills the conducting zone of respiration made up by the nose, trachea, and bronchi. This volume is considered to be 30% of normal tidal volume (500 mL); therefore, the value of anatomic dead space is 150 mL. Physiologic or total dead space is equal to anatomic plus alveolar dead space which is the volume of air in the respiratory zone that does not take part in gas exchange.