Lab 11: Spirometry
Abstract: The respiratory system enables the exchange of O2 and CO2 between the atmosphere, the body, and the cells, thus enabling the intake of O2 into the body for aerobic respiration and the release of CO2 for regulation of body fluid pH. In this exercise, we will examine ventilation of the lungs to enable the exchange of air between the alveoli and the atmosphere. The amount of air contained in the lungs during ventilation can change considerably depending on what muscles are driving air flow and how forcefully they contract. The different amounts of air drawn into or out of the lungs by contracting different groups of muscles are called primary lung volumes. Different combinations of the primary lung volumes, in turn provide us with lung capacities, which define either how much air is present in the lungs or how much air can be moved by the lungs under specific situations.