A 55 year old man with 40 pack year history of smoking has spirometric studies done. Physical exam is unremarkable exept for moderate barrel chested appearance. Tidal volume = 600 ml Resp rate = 15/min Dead space = 250 ml 1. What is alveolar ventilation? 2. How do you calculate it? 3. What would alveolar ventilation be in this case?

The main function of the respiratory system is gas exchange (O2 and CO2). Ventilation is the movement of air through the respiratory tract into (inspiration) and out of (expiration) the respiratory zone (lungs).