Simultaneous washouts of He, N2, and SF6 were monitored during jet ventilation with tidal volumes of 50-200 ml and rates of 1-2 Hz. Gas concentrations were measured from the trachea and from a lower lobe bronchus in six baboons by mass spectrometry. Washouts using large tidal volumes approximated single exponential decays with the relative exponential rates of decay being He fastest, SF4 slowest, and N2 intermediate. Washouts using smaller tidal volumes demonstrated a two-phase exponential decay pattern. During the fast phase, the relative exponential rates of decay were He slowest, SF6 fastest, and N2 intermediate, the reverse order seen during large-volume washouts. During the slow phase, the relative exponential rates of decay were He fastest, SF4 slowest, and N2 intermediate, the same order seen during large-volume washouts. The magnitude of the first phase observed from the lower lobe bronchus was less than that observed from the trachea. These data are consistent with a serial two-compartment transport model incorporating a limitation of molecular diffusion between the peripheral and proximal compartments. The more rapid clearance of less diffusible gases from the central airways during the first phase of washout was due to slower transport from the alveoli to the central airways rather than faster transport from the central airways to the airway opening.