Tidal volume
amount of air inhaled and exhaled in one breath
Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
amount of air in excess of tidal inspiration that can be inhaled with
maximum effort
Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)
amount of air excess of tidal expiration that can be exhaled with
maximum effort
residual volume (RV)
Amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximum expiration; keeps
alveoli inflated between breaths and mixes with fresh air on next inspiration
viral capacity (VC)
Amount of air that can be exhaled with maximum effort after maximum
inspiration (ERV + TV + IRV); used to assess strength of thoracic
muscles as well as pulmonary function
Inspiratory capacity (IC)
maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal
expression (TV +IRV)
Functional residual capacity (FRC)
Amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal tidal expiration
(RV + ERV)
Total lung capacity (TLC)
Maximum amount of air the lungs can contain (RV + VC)