What percentage of exhaled CO2 is typically expected during healthy ventilation?

The typical percentage of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) during healthy ventilation is generally around 3-8%. This range reflects the normal metabolic processes occurring in the body, where CO2 is produced as a waste product from cellular respiration. During exhalation, the body eliminates this CO2 to maintain a proper balance of gases in the blood and to ensure efficient respiration.

In a healthy respiratory system, adequate ventilation allows for effective gas exchange in the lungs, leading to a proper elimination of CO2. The 3-8% range shows that the body effectively manages CO2 levels, which is vital for maintaining acid-base balance and overall homeostasis.

Understanding this percentage is important for assessing ventilation status. If exhaled CO2 levels fall outside of this range, it may indicate underlying respiratory or metabolic issues that require further evaluation.