West zones of the lung are fundamental to understanding how ventilation and perfusion interact in both normal physiology and critical illness. In this episode, we break down the West zones (Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3) in a simple, clinically relevant way so you can understand how blood flow is distributed throughout the lung—and why it matters at the bedside. We cover: The physiology behind the West zones of the lung How alveolar, arterial, and venous pressures interact Differences between Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3 How position, ventilation, and hemodynamics affect perfusion Clinical implications in mechanical ventilation, shock, and critical care Common pitfalls and misconceptions Whether you’re managing ventilated patients, evaluating hypoxemia, or thinking through V/Q mismatch, this episode provides a clear framework to apply lung physiology in real clinical scenarios. 🎥 Watch the full video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN91NR1UrCQ 📚 Download the full study guide + access our complete emergency critical care curriculum: https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine Our Patreon includes: • Study guides for every video • Mini-courses (ventilation, shock, RRT & more) • Practice questions • Ad-free videos • A structured ICU curriculum Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should be made by licensed healthcare professionals using their clinical judgment, institutional protocols, and current evidence. Whiteboard Medicine assumes no responsibility for clinical outcomes.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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