Topic 2 The Respiratory System: Lung Volumes

Question 1

• Volume of air that is inhaled or exhaled in one breath

Answer 1

1. Tidal Volume (VT)

Question 2

• Maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after normal tidal volume inhalation

Answer 2

2. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

Question 3

• Maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after normal tidal volume exhalation

Answer 3

3. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

Question 4

• Amount of air remaining in lungs after maximum exhalation

- Air that cannot be exhaled

Answer 4

4. Residual volume (RV)

Question 5

• Maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inspiration
• Expressed as IRV + VT + ERV

Answer 5

5. Vital Capacity (VC)

Question 6

• Volume of air that can be inhaled after normal exhalation

- Expressed as VT + IRV

Answer 6

6. Inspiratory Capacity (IC)

Question 7

• Volume of air remaining in lungs after normal exhalation

- Expressed as ERV + RV

Answer 7

7. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

Question 8

• Maximum amount of air that lungs can accommodate

- Expressed as IC + FRC

Answer 8

8. Total Lung Capacity (TLC)