Lung Volume Definitions

Question 1

Tidal Volume

Answer 1

Volume of air normally exhaled/inhaled per breath

Question 2

Inspiratory Reserve volume

Answer 2

Additional volume taken in

Question 3

Expiratory Reserve volume

Answer 3

Additional volume let out

Question 4

Residual volume

Answer 4

Volume of air that remains in lungs after a forceful expiratory effort

Question 5

Inspiratory Capacity

Answer 5

The maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal exhalation
IC = TV + IRV

Question 6

Functional Residual Capacity

Answer 6

The amount of air remaining in the lungs at the end of a normal tidal exhalation
Represents the point at which the forces tending to collapse the lungs are balances against forced tending to expand the chest wall
FRC = ER + RV

Question 7

Vital Capacity

Answer 7

The max amount of air that can be exhaled following a max inhalation
VC = inspiratory reserve tidal + expiratory reserve volumes

Question 8

Total Lung Capacity

Answer 8

Maximum volume to which the lungs can be expanded
Sum of all pulmonary volumes

Question 9

Minute Ventilation

Answer 9

The product of tidal volume and respiratory rate
Ve = Vt x RR