Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Heat to 37ºC
Mouth
H
2
O
H
2
O
O
2
CO
2
Dead space
Alveolar space
FIGURE 14.3
The dead space and alveolar space in the human lungs. Gas exchange occurs only in the alveolar
space, while both zones heat the air and saturate with water vapor.
FIGURE 14.4
Lung capacity with various breathing volumes.
Blood In
Alveoli
CO
2
Out
O
2
In
Blood Out
FIGURE 14.5
Gas exchange between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries. This event occurs across all of
the millions of alveoli and associated capillaries.
