Question

what is the general volume of the lungs and the amount of dead space in mL

Answer 1

Maximum volume of air that a lung can accommodate is around 4000 ml - 6000 ml which is known as total lung capacity.

Dead space is the that part of the airway which takes part only in conduction of air and it has no role in gaseous exchange. It is only the conducting zone of the airway. It consists of nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi upto terminal bronchioles. Its value is around 150 ml.

Tidal volume is the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled by the lungs in one respiratory cycle during quiet breathing. It is normally around 500 ml. Thus, out of this 500 ml of air inspired, 150 ml (air present in the dead space) is not available for gaseous exchange.

Respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveolar sacs forms the respiratory zone of the airway which takes part in the gaseous exchange and are not a part of dead space.