Vital capacity

Definition

Vital capacity (VC) is the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation. It is an important measure in assessing respiratory health and lung function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A reduced vital capacity can indicate restrictive lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis.
2. Vital capacity is influenced by factors such as age, sex, height, and physical fitness.
3. Nutritional status can impact vital capacity; malnutrition may lead to weakened respiratory muscles.
4. Vital capacity measurement is crucial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to monitor disease progression.
5. Proper hydration and nutrition enhance mucociliary clearance, indirectly supporting better vital capacity.

Review Questions

• What factors can influence an individual's vital capacity?
• How does nutritional status affect vital capacity in patients with pulmonary conditions?
• Why is monitoring vital capacity important for patients with COPD?

Related terms

Tidal Volume: The amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Residual Volume: The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after full inhalation, often used in spirometry tests.