Anatomic dead space

Anatomic dead space refers to the volume of the *conducting airways* (nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and terminal bronchioles) that carries air to the alveoli but does not itself participate in gas exchange[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Normally, this space amounts to about 150 mL in adults or about 2 mL/kg of body weight, corresponding to roughly one-third of an average tidal volume[1][2][5][7][8]. Air in the anatomic dead space is exhaled unchanged as it has not come into contact with the alveolar-capillary membrane. The concept is clinically relevant in ventilation management and can impact the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation. It is also important in diseases causing ventilation-perfusion mismatch, as the distinction between anatomical and physiological dead space becomes critical[3][4][5][6].

Other names

Anatomical dead spaceanatomical airway dead spaceconducting airway dead space