Lung Volumes and Capacities

Lung volumes and capacities refer to the various amounts of air the lungs can hold and use during breathing. Key terms include Tidal Volume (the amount of air inhaled or exhaled in a normal breath), Vital Capacity (the maximum air you can exhale after taking the deepest breath), and Total Lung Capacity (the total amount of air in the lungs after a deep inhale). Understanding these measurements helps assess lung health and function, revealing how efficiently the lungs work to provide oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide.