Name
Community College of Philadelphia
Biology 110: Anatomy and Physiology II
Respiratory Physiology (Unit 26)
Follow this link to the McGill University Physiology Virtual Lab. Spirometry (Review pp. 557-59) is used to
assess pulmonary function through the measurement of lung volumes and capacities. A graphic
representation of an individual’s lung volume is called a spirogram (see Fig. 26-3). On the static lung
volumes page (the one you landed on), review the spirogram. By clicking on an acronym (ex. TV or ERV),
you can have the specific lung volume or capacity defined for you. You may also use your lab manual as a
reference. Briefly describe the 4 primary lung volumes.
Describe the four primary lung volumes:
1. Tidal volume (Vt): it is the normal volume displaced between inhalation and exhalation with
no extra effort applied
2. Expiratory reserve volume (ERV): above normal breath exhaled during a forceful breath out
3. Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV): it is the amount air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal
tidal
4. Residual volume (RV): It is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximum forceful
expiration
Describe the following volumes/capacities:
5. Vital Capacity (VC): It is the maximal volume of air that be expired following maximum inspiration
6. Inspiratory Capacity (IC): It is the maximum volume of air that can be inspired after the end of a
normal expiration
7. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC): It is the amount of air left in the lungs after an expiration.
8. Total Lung Capacity (TLC): It is the total volume of air in a lung after maximum possible inspiration.
Review the Dynamic Lung Volumes page (Virtual Lab website) and define the following:
9. Define: Forced Vital Capacity. It is the amount of air that be forcefully exhaled from the lungs after
, taking the deepest possible breathe
10. Define: Maximum Voluntary Ventilation It is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and
exhaled during an interval time.
Community College of Philadelphia
Biology 110: Anatomy and Physiology II
Respiratory Physiology (Unit 26)
Follow this link to the McGill University Physiology Virtual Lab. Spirometry (Review pp. 557-59) is used to
assess pulmonary function through the measurement of lung volumes and capacities. A graphic
representation of an individual’s lung volume is called a spirogram (see Fig. 26-3). On the static lung
volumes page (the one you landed on), review the spirogram. By clicking on an acronym (ex. TV or ERV),
you can have the specific lung volume or capacity defined for you. You may also use your lab manual as a
reference. Briefly describe the 4 primary lung volumes.
Describe the four primary lung volumes:
1. Tidal volume (Vt): it is the normal volume displaced between inhalation and exhalation with
no extra effort applied
2. Expiratory reserve volume (ERV): above normal breath exhaled during a forceful breath out
3. Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV): it is the amount air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal
tidal
4. Residual volume (RV): It is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximum forceful
expiration
Describe the following volumes/capacities:
5. Vital Capacity (VC): It is the maximal volume of air that be expired following maximum inspiration
6. Inspiratory Capacity (IC): It is the maximum volume of air that can be inspired after the end of a
normal expiration
7. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC): It is the amount of air left in the lungs after an expiration.
8. Total Lung Capacity (TLC): It is the total volume of air in a lung after maximum possible inspiration.
Review the Dynamic Lung Volumes page (Virtual Lab website) and define the following:
9. Define: Forced Vital Capacity. It is the amount of air that be forcefully exhaled from the lungs after
, taking the deepest possible breathe
10. Define: Maximum Voluntary Ventilation It is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and
exhaled during an interval time.
