Kathy is taking 14 breaths per minute Her vital capacity is

Kathy is taking 14 breaths per minute. Her vital capacity is 3000 mL, her total lung capacity is 4000 mL, and her tidal volume is 450 mL per breath. Calculate the following and show equations: Kathy\'s total pulmonary ventilation (minute volume) Kathy\'s alveolar ventilation rate

Solution

a. Total pulmonary ventilation = Ventilation rate x Total volume

= 14 breaths/minute x 450 ml/breath

= 6300 ml/minute

Dead space volume for human is about 150 ml

b. Alveolar ventilation rate = Ventilation rate x (Tidal volume - Dead space volume)

= 14 breaths/min x (450 ml/breath - 150 ml)

= 4200 ml/minute