7.3 Measuring The Process

Question 1

What can be used to measure the volume of air that is drawn in and out of the lungs ?

Answer 1

Peak flow meter - simple device that measured rate at which air can be expelled from the lungs

Vitalographs - have to breathe out as quickly as possible through a mouthpiece and graph produced. Volume of air is called the forced expiratory volume.

Spirometer

Question 2

Define tidal volume

Answer 2

The volume of air that moves into and out of the lungs with each resting breath

Question 3

Define vital capacity

Answer 3

The maximum volume of air that can be breathed out

Question 4

Define inspiratory reserve volume

Answer 4

Maximum volume of air you can breathe in over and above a normal inhalation

Question 5

Define expiratory reserve volume

Answer 5

The extra amount of air you can breathe in over and above a normal exhalation

Question 6

Define residual volume

Answer 6

The volume of air that is left in your lungs when you have exhaled as hard as possible

Question 7

Define total lung capacity

Answer 7

The sum of the vital capacity and the residual volume

Question 8

Define breathing rate

Answer 8

The number of breaths taken per minute

Question 9

How do you work out ventilation rate

Answer 9

Tidal volume x breathing rate