What is the difference between pulmonary and alveolar ventilation?

Pulmonary ventilation refers to the movement of air in and out of the lungs, while alveolar ventilation refers to the movement of air in and out of the alveoli.

Pulmonary ventilation is the process by which air is moved in and out of the lungs. It is accomplished by the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. When the diaphragm contracts, it pulls the lungs down, which creates a negative pressure in the pleural space. This negative pressure causes air to flow into the lungs through the nose and mouth. When the diaphragm relaxes, the lungs recoil and air is expelled through the nose and mouth.

Alveolar ventilation is the process by which air is moved in and out of the alveoli. It is accomplished by the diffusion of gases between the alveoli and the capillaries. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the capillaries, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillaries into the alveoli.

The difference between pulmonary ventilation and alveolar ventilation is that pulmonary ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the lungs, while alveolar ventilation is the movement of air in and out of the alveoli.