: belonging only to the person or group specified. 1  She has the sole authority to hire new staff members. [=only she can hire new staff members] 2  He has sole jurisdiction of the area.
Dr. Stern responded: Dead space in lung. Dead space is a term used to describe an area of the lung where gas exchange cannot occur - it does not mean dead lung tissue. Everyone has dead space and it is comprised mainly of your airways. It is measured as a percentage. Dead space is affected by many variables including the size of the breath we inhale.
A collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, is a condition that occurs when air enters the space between the chest wall and the lung (pleural space). As air builds up, pressure inside the pleural space increases and causes the lung to collapse. A one-way valve mechanism prevents air from escaping the pleural cavity. 2  When the person inhales, more air enters the pleural space, increasing pressure on the lung and heart. 3  This can lead to respiratory compromise and to a drop in blood pressure. 4  If the patient is not treated immediately, death can result.