Lung Capacity Lab printable pdf download

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Lung Capacity

Background information: We need a constant supply of oxygen in order to stay alive. We use

oxygen to break down food to release energy and produce carbon dioxide as a waste product.

We need to continually take in oxygen from the air and expel carbon dioxide into the air. The

respiratory system functions to filter, warm, and humidify the air that we breathe, and to supply

the cells with oxygen while removing carbon dioxide.

Air moves into the lungs through the trachea and then back out again. When each breath is

complete, the lung still has some air, called the residual volume. Each inhalation adds additional

air. Each exhalation removes about the same volume as was inhaled.

The amount (volume/capacity) of air in the lungs can be measures several ways:

TOTAL LUNG CAPACITY(TLC)- the amount of air in the lungs after a deep inhalation (the vital

capacity plus the residual volume)

RESIDUAL VOLUME(RV)- the amount of air left in the lungs after a deep exhalation

VITAL CAPACITY(VC)- the amount of air exhaled in one breath; the maximum amount of air that

can be forcibly exhaled after breathing in as much as possible.

TIDAL LUNG CAPACITY- the amount of air your lungs hold during normal breathing; the amount

of air moved in and out of the body in one breath

Lung volumes differ with age, sex, body frame and aerobic fitness. Measuring your lung

capacity can help you determine how much stamina you may have available to go about your

daily routine, including sports and other activities. Usually you need about 1/3 of your lung

capacity to carry out routine tasks that do not require exertion. It is also possible to increase your

lung capacity through regular exercise.

Your lung capacity may be affected by certain disorders such as asthma and emphysema. Such

things as altitude, the position your body is in, air temperature, weather conditions, air pollution,

and cigarette smoking may also contribute to a decrease in lung capacity.

Volume or capacity is measured in liters (l), milliliters (ml), and cubic centimeters (cm

). One

ml is equal to one cm

Lung Capacity Lab