<prompt> Which of the following best characterizes alveolar ventilation and blood flow at the base, compared with the apex, of the lungs of a healthy standing person?Ventilation - Higher, Blood flow - Higher, VQ ratio - LowerVentilation - Lower, Blood flow - Higher, VQ ratio - HigherVentilation - Lower, Blood flow - Lower, VQ ratio - LowerVentilation - Higher, Blood flow - Lower, VQ ratio - Higher  <response>: Ans. A. Ventilation - Higher, Blood flow - Higher, VQ ratio - LowerAt the base, both airflow and blood flow are higher; however, blood flow exceeds airflow at the base, which results in a low V.AQ. ratio. At the apex, blood flow and airflow are lower than at the base, but airflow is greater than blood flow, which leads to a high V.AQ.. 