Vital Capacity Lab

Introduction: the measurement of the maximum amount of air a person can breath out after a maximum inhalation. The measurement is equal to the total of inspiratory reserve volume, tidal volume, and expiratory reserve volume.

Definitions:
Tidal Volume: regular breaths.

Vital Capacity: maximum air you can breath out.

Residual Volume: amount of air you have left.

Expiratory Reserve Volume: the air you can breath out on top of your regular breath.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume: the air you can breathe in on top of your regular breath.

Procedure:
1. Reset the dial on top of the spirometer to 0L.

2. Using the spirometer and the sterilized mouthpiece, take a very deep breath and exhale forcefully through the mouthpiece. The dial will indicate the volume of air exhaled.

3. Keep your mouthpiece while your partner tests their vital capacity, and then try again.

4. Record results below.


Observations: 
NAME                                     VITAL CAPACITY (L)
Sahil                                                   2800L

Gagan                                                2500L

Identify the female in the class with the greatest vital capacity:
Shimeran                                 Vital Capacity: 3000L


Identify the male in the class with the greatest vital capacity:Undetermined.


Questions:
1. A normal tidal volume is only 500mL because that is the average amount of air inspired during relaxed and regular breathing.


2. The rising amount of CO2 in the blood stream will lower the pH. The medulla oblongata  will sense these changes and increase the ventilation rate.


3. Activities such as cardiovascular endurance increase the amount of CO2 entering the blood stream thus triggering medulla oblongata. 


4. Four factors affecting a persons vital capacity are, their fitness level, height, sex, and body size.


5. When you exercise your lungs need more vital nutrients and in order to provide them with all the required nutrients the lungs expand more so they are able to distribute it all correctly. 


6. If there is no air left in the lungs the lungs become deflated. To prevent the deflation aka a collapsed lung a certain amount of air has to reside in the lungs to fill the space.


Conclusion:In conclusion there is a lot to learn about vital capacity. It can differ greatly between sexes and fitness levels but with the correct exercise and effort you are able to increase your vital capacity and strengthen your lungs, thus providing yourself with a strong respiratory system!