The anatomical dead space

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The anatomical dead space includes the conducting zone of the respiratory system (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles) which do not participate in gas exchange with the blood. As a result, the air in the anatomical dead space has a lower concentration of oxygen and a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than atmospheric air. This is because the air has already been partially exchanged by the time it reaches the respiratory zone where gas exchange with the blood takes place. Emphysema can increase anatomical dead space by destroying alveolar walls, but this does not affect the gas concentrations in the dead space itself.

The Anatomical Dead Space