Two individuals of the same size (same dead space) have a pulmonary ventilation rate of 6 L/min, but one is breathing 10 breaths/min and the other is breathing 15 breaths/min. How do their alveolar ventilation rates compare?
A) The slower breather has a greater alveolar ventilation rate.
B) The faster breather has a greater alveolar ventilation rate.
C) Their alveolar ventilation rates are equivalent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The slower breather has a greater alveolar ventilation rate because with fewer breaths per minute, each breath has a larger tidal volume, reducing the proportion of air that is wasted in the dead space and increasing the amount of fresh air reaching the alveoli.

Two Individuals of the Same Size (Same Dead Space) Have