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Multiple Choice
The typical person has about 150 ml anatomical dead space. If the typical tidal volume is about 500 ml, how much air that starts completely outside the body actually makes it to the alveoli with each inspiration?
A
500 mL.
B
150 mL.
C
650 mL.
D
350 mL.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of anatomical dead space: It is the portion of the respiratory system where air is present but no gas exchange occurs, typically around 150 mL in a healthy adult.
Recognize that tidal volume is the total volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath, which is about 500 mL.
To find the volume of air reaching the alveoli, subtract the anatomical dead space from the tidal volume. This is because the air in the dead space does not participate in gas exchange.
Set up the equation: \( \text{Volume reaching alveoli} = \text{Tidal volume} - \text{Anatomical dead space} \).
Substitute the given values into the equation: \( \text{Volume reaching alveoli} = 500 \text{ mL} - 150 \text{ mL} \).