Measurements of lung volumes are also essential in interpreting data on lung elastic recoil pressure, instantaneous ventilatory flows, airways resistance, and the transfer factor of the lung, since these are all volume dependent. emphysema) and by the mechanical properties of lung and thorax (disorders include diffuse fibrosis, kyphoscoliosis).Īssessing the total lung capacity is indispensable in establishing a restrictive ventilatory defect or in diagnosing abnormal lung distensibility, as may occur in patients with emphysema. muscle paralysis), obstruction, occlusion and compression of small airways (disorders include e.g. The level of maximal expiration (residual volume, RV) is determined by the force exerted by respiratory muscles (disorders include e.g.

pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema) and the elastic properties of the thorax and adjacent structures (disorders include e.g. muscular dystrophy), the elastic recoil of the lung (disorders include e.g.

The level of maximal inspiration (total lung capacity, TLC) is influenced by the force developed by the inspiratory muscles (disorders include e.g. Factors which determine the size of the normal lung include stature, age, sex, body mass, posture, habitus, ethnic group, reflex factors and daily activity pattern.

The paris opera normalcy forges