Explain why it is not possible to directly measure RV by spirometry.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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**Question:** Explain why it is not possible to directly measure RV by spirometry.

**Explanation:**
Residual Volume (RV) is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation. Spirometry is a common method of assessing how the lungs work, whereby a person breathes into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. However, spirometry primarily measures the volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled during various respiratory maneuvers.

The limitation of spirometry in measuring RV stems from its inability to capture the volume of air that remains in the lungs after complete exhalation. Since spirometry does not involve any measurements of air that is not expelled, RV cannot be directly assessed using this method. Therefore, other techniques like body plethysmography or inert gas dilution are used to estimate residual lung volumes.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** Explain why it is not possible to directly measure RV by spirometry. **Explanation:** Residual Volume (RV) is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation. Spirometry is a common method of assessing how the lungs work, whereby a person breathes into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. However, spirometry primarily measures the volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled during various respiratory maneuvers. The limitation of spirometry in measuring RV stems from its inability to capture the volume of air that remains in the lungs after complete exhalation. Since spirometry does not involve any measurements of air that is not expelled, RV cannot be directly assessed using this method. Therefore, other techniques like body plethysmography or inert gas dilution are used to estimate residual lung volumes.
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