Respiratory Air Flow and Volume

Exercise 1: Lung volumes and capacities

Using the Horizontal Compression buttons and the scroll bar, display the data you wish to include in your report.

The predicted values are based on the Goldman and Becklake equations for Pulmonary Function (cited
from the John Hopkins Pulmonary Laboratory)

Answer

1. Comment on the differences between the experimental and predicted values for VC, FRC and TLC in the table
above. What could cause these differences, if any?

Study Questions

Answer

2. In quiet breathing, muscular effort is used mainly in inspiration, and expiration is largely passive, due to
elastic recoil of the lung. Can you relate this fact to the pattern of expiratory and inspiratory flow? Hint: the
normal pattern of breathing is efficient in that it requires muscular effort for only a short time.

Answer

3. Explain why RV cannot be determined by ordinary spirometry?

Exercise 2: Pulmonary function tests

Using the Horizontal Compression controls and the scroll bar, display the data you wish to include in your report.

Study Questions

Answer

4. Comment on the differences between the experimental and predicted values for FVC, FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC
ratio in the table above. What could cause these differences, if any?

Answer

5. In you own words describe the physiological significance of the FEV1/FVC ratio?

Answer

6. Were your results for forced breathing consistent across all three trials? If not, why not?

Exercise 3: Simulated airway obstruction

Using the Horizontal Compression controls and the scroll bar, display the data for both normal pulmonary function
tests (Exercise 2) and the simulated obstructed airway (Exercise 3) for inclusion in your report.

Study Questions

Answer

7. Based on your data, what values have been affected by simulated airway obstruction and why?

Answer

8. In your own words explain the physiological events that occurred during this simulated asthma attack. Hint:
Think about what it felt like and how that would affect your general state of well being and activity level.

Exercise 4: Pulmonary function tests in different volunteers

Using the Horizontal Compression controls and the scroll bar, display the data for Exercise 4 you wish to include in
your report.

Study Questions
Answer

9. Comment on the range of results shown in the table for Exercise 4.

Answer

10. What factors do you think could contribute to differences in pulmonary parameters between the volunteers?

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