Athletic Training Practice Exam

In spirometry, what is the term for the maximum amount of air expired after maximum inspiration?

1. Maximum expiratory flow rate

2. Forced expiratory volume

3. Vital capacity

4. Tidal volume

The correct answer is: Vital capacity

The correct choice, which refers to the maximum amount of air expired after maximum inspiration, is vital capacity. Vital capacity is a key measurement in spirometry that indicates the maximum volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled following a maximum inhalation. Understanding this concept is crucial in evaluating respiratory function and the overall health of the lungs. Vital capacity includes three components: tidal volume (the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing), inspiratory reserve volume (the amount of air that can be inhaled with maximum effort after a normal inhalation), and expiratory reserve volume (the amount of air that can forcibly be exhaled after a normal exhalation). This measurement provides insight into the lung's capacity to hold and manage air, which is essential for activities that require increased oxygen levels, such as exercise. In contrast, terms like maximum expiratory flow rate refer specifically to the speed at which air can be expelled from the lungs, while forced expiratory volume measures how much air can be forcibly exhaled in a specific time frame, typically within the first second. Tidal volume simply denotes the normal amount of air exchanged during resting breathing, which is significantly less than what is represented by vital capacity. Understanding these distinctions