The lung is particularly susceptible to changes in the magnitude and direction of gravitational forces. Anatomical dead space or anatomical shunt, arises from an anatomical failure, while physiological dead space or physiological shunt, arises from a functional impairment of the lung or arteries.Īn example of an anatomical shunt is the effect of gravity on the lungs. Dead space is created when no ventilation and/or perfusion takes place. As a result, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases, whereas the carbon dioxide level increases. Dead spaces can severely impact breathing, because they reduce the surface area available for gas diffusion. Both produce dead space, regions of broken down or blocked lung tissue. This is referred to as ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. At times, however, there is a mismatch between the amount of air (ventilation, V) and the amount of blood (perfusion, Q) in the lungs. These capillaries and arteries are not always in use but are ready if needed. As cardiac output increases, the number of capillaries and arteries that are perfused (filled with blood) increases. This is because of a phenomenon called recruitment, which is the process of opening airways that normally remain closed when cardiac output increases. It is also independent of cardiac output. Pulmonary circulation pressure is very low compared to that of the systemic circulation.
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