EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Spirometers can measure three of four lung volumes, inspiratory reserve volume, tidal volume, expiratory reserve volume, but cannot measure residual volume. Four lung capacities are also defined: inspiratory capacity, vital capacity, functional residual capacity, and the total lung capacity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Spirometer. A spirometer is a diagnostic device that measures the amount of air you’re able to breathe in and out. It also tracks the time it takes you to exhale completely after you take a deep breath.

Detailed explanation-3: -What is the equation for inspiratory capacity? The calculation for inspiratory capacity is tidal volume (the amount of air you casually breath in) plus inspiratory reserve volume (the amount of air you forcefully breathe in after a normal inhalation). This is written as: TV + IRV = IC.

Detailed explanation-4: -So, A spirometer cannot be used to measure residual volume (RV) because it’s not possible to measure the remaining amount of the volume left in lungs after maximum expiration. It also cannot directly measure FRC, TLC and dead space air.

Detailed explanation-5: -Spirometry measures airflow. By measuring how much air you exhale, and how quickly you exhale, spirometry can evaluate a broad range of lung diseases.