Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.




d. The vital capacity is the total amount of exchangeable air

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'vital capacity' in the context of respiratory physiology. Vital capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation.
2. Recognize that 'exchangeable air' refers to the air that can be moved in and out of the lungs during breathing, which includes tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume.
3. Identify the components of vital capacity: VC = Tidal Volume (TV) + Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) + Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV).
4. Compare the definition of vital capacity with the statement provided. The statement claims that vital capacity is the total amount of exchangeable air.
5. Determine if the statement is true or false based on the comparison. If false, correct it by stating that vital capacity is indeed the total amount of exchangeable air, as it includes TV, IRV, and ERV.

Key Concepts

Vital Capacity

Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation. It is a key measure in respiratory physiology, reflecting the health and efficiency of the lungs. Vital capacity is not the total amount of air in the lungs but rather the sum of the tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume.

Total Lung Capacity

Total lung capacity (TLC) is the total volume of air the lungs can hold, including all volumes: tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, and residual volume. It provides a comprehensive measure of lung capacity and is crucial for understanding respiratory health. Unlike vital capacity, TLC includes air that cannot be voluntarily expelled.

Exchangeable Air

Exchangeable air refers to the volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing and forced breathing. This includes the tidal volume and the additional air that can be inhaled or exhaled beyond normal breathing. Understanding exchangeable air is essential for assessing lung function and respiratory efficiency.