Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 4

What is the functional significance of the ventilationperfusion ratio? How would a high V/Q ratio affect gas exchange in the lung?

Step 1 of 2

Ventilation (V)-perfusion ratio is the amount of air that enters the alveoli, in ml/min, to the amount of blood being sent to the lungs (cardiac output Q), expressed in ml/min. V/Q is the balance between the rate of oxygenation and rate of removal of oxygen from the alveoli. The ratio indicates the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.