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The Respiratory System

Lung volumes and capacities

  • 3 things to know
  • A2 2

Overview

Tidal volume, inspiratory and expiratory reserve, residual volume, vital capacity and total lung capacity, spirometry, minute and alveolar ventilation calculations and the effects of exercise and training.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What are tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, and what are their typical adult values?

Key term

What are total lung capacity, inspiratory capacity and functional residual capacity?

Key term

What is tidal volume, and what is a typical resting value?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is tidal volume, and what is a typical resting value?

    Model answer

    Tidal volume is the volume of air breathed in or out in one normal breath. Tidal volume is about 500 ml at rest.

  2. 2

    What is inspiratory reserve volume?

    Model answer

    Inspiratory reserve volume is the extra air that can be forcibly breathed in after a normal inspiration. Inspiratory reserve volume is about 3,000 ml in an adult.

  3. 3

    What is expiratory reserve volume?

    Model answer

    Expiratory reserve volume is the extra air that can be forcibly breathed out after a normal expiration. Expiratory reserve volume is about 1,200 ml in an adult.

  4. 4

    What is residual volume, and why is it important?

    Model answer

    Residual volume is the air left in the lungs after a maximal expiration, about 1,200 ml. Residual air keeps the alveoli open and lets gas exchange continue between breaths.

  5. 5

    Define vital capacity and state how it is made up.

    Model answer

    Vital capacity is the maximum volume of air that can be breathed out after a maximal inspiration. Vital capacity equals tidal volume plus the inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes.

  6. 6

    A performer has a tidal volume of 500 ml, an inspiratory reserve volume of 3,100 ml and an expiratory reserve volume of 1,200 ml. Calculate the vital capacity.

    Model answer

    The vital capacity is 4,800 ml. The working is 500 + 3,100 + 1,200 = 4,800 ml.

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Inspiration means breathing air into the lungs.
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