Alveolar dead space
Alveolar dead space is a term used in pulmonary physiology to describe the volume of air within the lungs that does not participate in gas exchange. It is one of the components of the total dead space in the respiratory system.
Pronunciation
Alveolar: /ælˈviːələr/ Dead Space: /dɛd speɪs/
Etymology
The term "alveolar" is derived from the Latin word "alveolus", meaning "small cavity". The term "dead space" is used in the context of respiration to refer to areas where gas exchange does not occur.
Definition
Alveolar dead space refers to the volume of air within the alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs, that does not participate in gas exchange. This can occur when the alveoli are ventilated but not perfused with blood, such as in certain lung diseases or abnormalities.
Related Terms
- Anatomical dead space: The volume of air within the respiratory tract that does not reach the alveoli and therefore does not participate in gas exchange.
- Physiological dead space: The sum of the anatomical dead space and the alveolar dead space.
- Ventilation-perfusion mismatch: A condition in which the volumes of air and blood flowing to the alveoli are not properly matched, leading to inefficient gas exchange.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alveolar dead space
- Wikipedia's article - Alveolar dead space
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