Alveolar ventilation ($V_A$) is a better measure of gas exchange than minute ventilation because it accounts for:
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Correct answer: Anatomical dead space
Minute ventilation is simply $V_T \times \text{frequency}$. Alveolar ventilation is calculated as $(V_T - V_D) \times \text{frequency}$, where $V_D$ is the dead space. This correctly identifies the volume of fresh air that actually reaches the gas-exchange surfaces.
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More Lung Volumes and Capacities questions
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