The Respiratory Dead Space

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Abstract
Respiratory physiology and pathophysiology, considered as problems in ventilation and in gas exchange, are dominated by two fundamental elements, namely the alveolar clearance and the ventilation of the dead space. These two entities can perfectly well be defined and measured, if the significance of the terms is specified and if experimental methods adapted to the objective in view are used. Study of the dead space by determining the composition of the gaseous zone of alveolo-capillary exchange shows that the volume is most variable at the physiological as well as the pathological level. In fact functional dead space depends essentially upon the following factors. The value of the anatomical dead space as demonstrated by experiments effected with an additional dead space. The uniformity of the gas exchanges at the level of the alveoli. Uniformity of circulation in the alveoli. Uniformity of ventilation in the alveoli.

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