Dead space
Dead space (medicine)
Dead space (pronounced: /dɛd speɪs/) in the field of medicine refers to the portion of the respiratory system where gas exchange does not occur. This includes some parts of the trachea and bronchi, which are anatomically incapable of participating in gas exchange.
Etymology
The term "dead space" originates from the concept that these areas are "dead" to the process of gas exchange, despite being part of the respiratory system. The term was first used in this context in the early 20th century.
Types of Dead Space
There are three types of dead space: anatomical, physiological, and alveolar dead space.
- Anatomical dead space refers to the airways that do not participate in gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi.
- Physiological dead space is the sum of anatomical dead space and any pathological alveolar dead space.
- Alveolar dead space refers to alveoli that are ventilated but not perfused with blood for gas exchange.
Related Terms
- Ventilation (physiology) - the process of moving air into and out of the lungs.
- Perfusion - the passage of fluid through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to an organ or a tissue.
- Respiratory system - a series of organs responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.
- Trachea - the large airway that leads from the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi (large airways that lead to the lungs).
- Bronchi - the main passageway into the lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dead space
- Wikipedia's article - Dead space
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