Key words

• Tidal volume

  The volume of air moved in and out of the lungs in one breath at rest
• Vital capacity

  Largest volume of air that can be in moved in and out of the lungs in the deepest breath
• Residual volume

  The volume always left in the lungs even after the deepest breath
• Dead space

  Air in the bronchioles, bronchi and trachea that do not contribute to gas exchange
• Inspiratory reserve volume

  The extra volume of air that is breathed in during a very deep breath in (compared to tidal volume)
• Expiratory reserve volume

  The extra volume of air that is breathed out during a very deep breath out (compared to tidal volume)