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Vital Capacity. What is Vital Capacity. Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inspiration. It is equal to the inspiratory reserve volume plus the tidal volume plus the expiratory reserve volume.
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What is Vital Capacity • Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inspiration. • It is equal to the inspiratory reserve volume plus the tidal volume plus the expiratory reserve volume. • Tidal volume is the lung volume and is represented by the normal volume of air displaced between normal inspiration and expiration when extra effort is not applied. • Typical values are around 500ml or 7ml/kg bodyweight
How can it be Measured • A person's vital capacity can be measured by a spirometer which can be a wet or regular spirometer *. • *specifically the measurement of the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. • In combination with other physiological measurements, the vital capacity can help make a diagnosis of underlying lung disease. The unit that is used to determine this vital capacity is the millilitre (ml).
Variation in Vital Capacity • A normal adult has a vital capacity between 3 and 5 litres. After the age of 20 the vital capacity decreases approximately 250 cc per ten years. • Factors Affecting Vital Capacity • Age • Sex • Body Composition • Level of Physical Fitness • Health • Disease • Life Style.