Lung volumes
There are several different measures of lung volumes, some of which can be taken by Spirometry. They are:
- Tidal Volume (TV)
The volume of air inspired and expired over the course of a normal breath. This is around 500 ml - Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)
The volume of air that can be inspired over and above that of a normal (tidal volume) breath. This is around 3100 ml - Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)
The Volume of air that can be expired over and above that of a normal breath. This is around 1200 ml - Residual Volume (RV)
The volume of air that is left in the lungs after maximal expiration; that is after the expiratory reserve volume. It is around 1200 ml but cannot be measured by spirometry.
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