Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
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Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)
unit L mL
Tidal volume (TV)
unit L mL
R e s u l t s
Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
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Inspiratory Capacity (IC)

Lung volumes include a number of components.

Abbreviations:

  • ERV = Expiratory reserve volume
  • FRC = Functional residual capacity
  • FVC = Forced vital capacity
  • IC = Inspiratory capacity
  • IRV = Inspiratory reserve volume
  • RV = Residual volume
  • TLC = Total lung capacity
  • TV = Tidal volume
  • VC = Vital capacity

Formulas:

  • FRC = ERV + RV
  • IC = IRV + TV
  • TLC = ERV + IRV + RV + TV
  • VC = ERV + IRV + TV

ERV, FVC, IRV, RV, and TV are all measured with spirometry with FRC, IC, TLC and VC calculated from these measured items.

Explanation of what each item is (volumes after each item are typical values for a 70 kg male):

  • Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV): The volume of air that remains in the lungs after exhaling as much air out of the lung as possible (1.2 liters)
  • Functional Residual Capacity (FRC): The volume of air that remains in the lungs after a normal breath (tidal breath) is exhaled (2.4 liters)
  • Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a maximal inspiration (4.8 liters)
  • Inspiratory Capacity (IC): The volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal breath is exhaled (4.1 liters)
  • Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV): The volume of air that can still be inhaled after a normal tidal inspiration (3.6 liters)
  • Residual Volume (RV): The volume of air still remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation (1.2 liters)
  • Total Lung Capacity (TLC): The volume of air that is contained in the lung at the end of maximal inspiration (6 liters)
  • Tidal Volume (TV): The volume of air inspired or exhaled during normal resting breathing (0.5 liters)
  • Vital Capacity (VC): The volume of air that can be forced out of the lungs after a maximal inspiration

References: