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What defines physiological dead space in the context of lung function?

Air in alveoli that are not adequately perfused

Physiological dead space refers to the part of the lung where ventilation occurs, but perfusion does not take place effectively. Specifically, it consists of the air present in the alveoli that are ventilated but not adequately perfused with blood. If blood flow (perfusion) is lacking in these areas, the oxygen in the alveoli cannot effectively exchange with the blood, resulting in wasted ventilation and ineffective gas exchange.

This concept is significant in understanding respiratory physiology because it can indicate conditions like pulmonary embolism or certain lung diseases where some alveoli are functioning but not receiving blood flow. In contrast, options that refer to low oxygen concentration, dead cells, or residual volume describe different physiological aspects and are not pertinent to the definition of physiological dead space.

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Space occupied by air that has low oxygen concentration

Area containing dead cells due to inflammation

Residual volume of the lungs that cannot be expelled

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