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Physiology & Science
Dead space
Also known as: Anatomical dead space
German: Totraum, Anatomischer Totraum
The part of each breath that fills the airways (nose, throat, windpipe) and does not reach the air sacs where gas exchange happens. It makes up roughly a third of a quiet breath, which is why very shallow, rapid breathing moves less fresh air to the lungs than the breathing rate alone suggests.