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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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How Are Lung Volumes Measured ?

While having a physical examination , a young male informed his doctor that at age 8 he had lobar pneumonia and pleurisy in his left lung . The physician decided to measure his VC. Describe the apparatus and method used for taking this measurement. Define the following terms used in the description of lung volumes: TV, IRV, ERV, RV, and VC.
posted on Wed, 18 Apr 2012
Twitter Sat, 5 May 2012 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 7 May 2012 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
There are two types of measurement to asses the physical and functional capacity of lungs. These are lung capacities which can be measured directly by an instrument called spirometer and lung volumes which are measured indirectly by body plethysmography. TV is tidal volume which means the volume of air inhaled or exhaled with each breath in normal breathing(not forceful). IRV is Inspiratory Reserve Volume-volume of air that can be inhaled from end point of normal inhalation. ERV is Expiratory Reserve Volume- Vol of air that can be exhaled out from end expiratory position. RV is residual Volume- Amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximum exhalation. VC is Vital capacity- Amount of air that is breathed out with maximum exahalation after a deep inhalation.
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How Are Lung Volumes Measured ?

There are two types of measurement to asses the physical and functional capacity of lungs. These are lung capacities which can be measured directly by an instrument called spirometer and lung volumes which are measured indirectly by body plethysmography. TV is tidal volume which means the volume of air inhaled or exhaled with each breath in normal breathing(not forceful). IRV is Inspiratory Reserve Volume-volume of air that can be inhaled from end point of normal inhalation. ERV is Expiratory Reserve Volume- Vol of air that can be exhaled out from end expiratory position. RV is residual Volume- Amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximum exhalation. VC is Vital capacity- Amount of air that is breathed out with maximum exahalation after a deep inhalation.