Alveolar ventilation

The total volume of gas ventilated per minute

- MV (ml/min)= tidal volume x Respiratory rate (resps/min).

describes the volume of gas not involved in exchange in the blood

2: anatomical and physiological dead space

Volume of gas in the respiratory tree not involved in gaseous exchange: mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi up to terminal bronchioles.

Fowlers method

Standing, increased size of person, increased lung volume and drugs causing bronchodilatation e.g. Adrenaline

150ml

Volume of gas in the alveoli and anatomical dead space not involved in gaseous exchange.

ventilation/perfusion mismatch e.g. PE, COPD, hypotension

• The volume of fresh air entering the alveoli per minute.
• Alveolar ventilation = Minute ventilation - Dead space volume