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Measuring Lung Capacity Lab

SBI3U – Animals: Structure and Function

Date: _________________________

Measuring Lung Capacity Lab

Human lung capacity can be measured in several ways. One way, is by using a piece of laboratory equipment

called a spirometer. We can also measure lung capacity using a balloon. The data you obtain may not be as

accurate as that obtained using a spirometer, but will give you an idea of how much volume your lungs hold.

Several different lung volume measurements can be made. The largest possible amount of air that can be

exhaled after drawing a deep breath is the vital capacity. The amount of air that remains in the lungs after

exhaling normally but which can be expelled is the expiratory reserve. The amount of air taken in or expelled

during normal breathing is called the tidal volume. A certain amount of air in the lungs cannot be expelled.

This is the residual volume.

Purpose: To determine different capacities in your lungs.

Procedure:

Part A: Vital Capacity

1. Stretch balloon several times.

2. Take as deep a breath as possible. Then exhale all the air you can into the balloon and pinch the

balloon closed to prevent air from escaping.

3. Measure the diameter of the balloon in centimeters and record in column A of the Data Table. Do this

by using two metric rulers as shown in the diagram below.

4. Deflate balloon and do two more trials. Record the diameter of the balloon in column A.

Part B: Expiratory Reserve Volume

1. Exhale normally.

2. Without inhaling as you normally would, put the balloon in your mouth and exhale all the air still left in

your lungs.

3. Measure the diameter of the balloon in centimeters and record in column B of the Data Table.

4. Do two more trials. Record the diameter of the balloon in column B.

Part C: Tidal Volume

1. Take in a normal breath. Exhale into the balloon only as much air as you would normally exhale. DO

NOT force your breathing.

2. Record the diameter of the balloon in centimeters in column C of Data Table.

3. Do two more trials. Record the diameter of the balloon in column C.

Measuring Lung Capacity Lab