Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio; Consequences on Arteriole pO2

Definitions:

Ventilation (Breathing): the movement of air (& thus gases) between the environment and alveoli. 12-20 breaths/min @ Rest

Perfusion* (Blood Flow): the process of nutritive delivery of arterial blood to a capillary bed. Pressure ~25/8 mm Hg, therefore Low Resistance; High Flow System

Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio: a measurement used to assess the efficiency and adequacy of the matching of two variables: ventilation & perfusion.


 * Opposite in pulmonary circulation.

Ventilation