Since the concept of being below is itself somewhat vague, scientists define the nadir in more rigorous terms. Specifically, in astronomy, geophysics and related sciences (e.g., meteorology), the nadir at a given point is the local vertical direction pointing in the direction of the force of gravity at that location.
anatomical dead space. In pulmonary physiology, the area in the trachea, bronchi, and air passages containing air that does not reach the alveoli during inspiration and is not involved in gas exchange. This is termed dead space because the air does not reach the alveoli and is not involved in gas exchange. Normal anatomical dead space is 2.2 ml/kg or 1 ml/lb.
Together, anatomic and alveolar dead space is referred to as physiologic dead space. Physiologic dead space gases do not participate in CO2 and O2 exchange. Average tidal volume is 10 to 15 ml/kg in the normal unanesthetized patient.