Breathing and Exchange of Gases

Vital Capacity (VC) (IRV + ERV + TV): The maximum volume of air a person can breathe in after a forced expiration. This includes ERV, TV and IRV or the maximum volume of air a person can breathe out after a forced inspiration.

Inspiratory Capacity (IC): This includes tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume ( TV+IRV).

Expiratory Capacity (EC): This includes tidal volume and expiratory reserve volume (TV+ERV).

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC): This includes ERV+RV.

Total Lung Capacity: This includes RV, ERV, TV and IRV or vital capacity + residual volume.