Session 2 - Definitions

Question 1

Tidal volume

Answer 1

The lung volume that represents the amount of air that is displaced between normal inspiration and expiration, when extra effort is not applied

Question 2

Inspiratory Reserve Volume

Answer 2

The extra volume that can be breathed in when extra is applied

Question 3

Expiratory Reserve Volume

Answer 3

The extra volume that can be breathed out when extra effort is applied

Question 4

Residual Volume

Answer 4

The volume left in the lungs at maximal expiration. This cannot be measurewd with a spirometer; it must be measured by helium dilution

Question 5

Vital capacity

Answer 5

The biggest breath that can be taken in, measured from the max inspiration to the max expiration. It often changes in disease, and is about 5L in a typical adult

Question 6

Functional Residual Capacity

Answer 6

The volume of air in the lungs at resting expiratory level (expiratory reserve volume + residual volume). It is typically about 2L.

Question 7

Inspiratory Capacity

Answer 7

The biggest breath that can be taken from resting expiratory level (lung volume at the end of quiet expiration). It is typically about 3L.