Erie Community College

Title III

Numeric Skills Assignment

Interdisciplinary Course Materials

Biology - Measurements of Ventilation

Course: MT006 (possibly MT001)

Course Outline Topic: Evaluating Algebraic Equations and Formulas

Determining Information using a Table

Project Title: Measurements of Ventilation

Project description: Students will calculate respiratory volumes and capacities using formulas and given data.

Author: Sherri Kobis – North Campus Mathematics Department

Curriculum Expert: Thomas Franco – North Campus Biology Department

Semester Created: Spring 2009

A.  Essential Question

How are certain measurements of lung ventilation calculated?

B.  Introduction

The amount of air that is in your lungs can be evaluated in different ways. You can measure respiratory volume using an instrument called a spirometer. There are four different types of respiratory volumes that you can measure with the spirometer. These include:

1. Tidal Volume (TV) – amount of air inhaled and exhaled in one respiratory cycle under normal conditions.

2. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) – amount of air that can be forcefully inhaled after a normal TV inhalation.

3. Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) – amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal TV exhalation.

4. Residual Volume (RV) – amount of air left in lungs after maximal exhalation.

Once you have found your respiratory volumes, you can evaluate the following respiratory capacities by adding two or more volumes together.

1. Vital Capacity (VC) – maximal amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximal inspiration

Formula: VC = TV + IRV + ERV

2. Inspiratory Capacity (IC) – maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration

Formula: IC = TV + IRV

3. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) – amount of air remaining in lungs after a normal expiration

Formula: FRC = ERV + RV

4. Total Lung Capacity (TLC) – maximum amount of air the lungs can hold

Formula: TLC = TV + IRV + ERV + RV

The following table shows the Average Amounts of Pulmonary Volumes for Adult Men and Women. Some values are expressed in a range due to differences in body type, size and shape. Measurements of ventilation are measured using milliliters (mL).

Average Amounts of Pulmonary Volumes for Adult Men and Women

Volume/Capacity Males Females

Tidal Volume (TV) / 500-600 mL / 500-600 mL
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) / 3000-3300 mL / 1900-2100 mL
Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) / 1000-1200 mL / 700-800 mL
Residual Volume (RV) / 1200-1300 mL / 1000-1100 mL
Vital Capacity (VC) / 4600-4800 mL / 3100-3400 mL
Inspiratory Capacity (IC) / 3500-3600 mL / 2400 mL
Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) / 2300-2500 mL / 1800 mL
Total Lung Capacity (TLC) / 5800-6000 mL / 4200-4400 mL

C. Basic Directions

In each case below, use the definitions and formulas given in the introduction to calculate the unknown respiratory volume or capacity. You must decide which formula to use, state the formula and substitute the given values into the formula. In some cases you will need to use more than one formula to find the answer. You must show all substitutions and all work in a neat and orderly manner.

After finding the missing value, use the table to decide if the person is average, below average or above average for the respiratory volume or capacity that you calculated.

D. Things to Learn Before Starting the Project

You must be able to substitute given values into a formula and evaluate to find the answer. You must also be able to read and interpret a table of information.

E. The Project Assignment

Complete each of the following questions. Show all work for each one on separate paper in a neat and orderly manner. There may be information in the problem that is not needed to find the answer.

For each problem you must:

1. Copy the question.

2. State which formula or formulas you are using.

3. Find the answer showing all substitutions and calculations in a neat and organized manner.

4. Use the table to decide if the person is average, below average, or above average for the respiratory volume or capacity that you evaluated.

1. Sean’s TV is 600 mL and his IRV is 3800 mL. What is his IC?

2. Tina’s VC is 4550 mL, her IRV is 3000 mL, and her ERV is 1100 mL. What is her TV?

3. Jim’s IC is 3600 mL, his ERV is 1100 mL, and his RV is estimated at 1200 mL. What is his TLC?

4. Jill’s IRV is 2800 mL, her TV is 500 mL, and her ERV is 1300 mL. What is her IC?

5. John’s TLC is 6000 mL and his IC is 4500 mL. What is his FRC?

6. Sue’s TV is 500 mL and her IC is 2400 mL. What is her IRV?

7. Joe’s TV is 500 mL, his ERV is 1200 mL, his RV is 1100 mL, and his VC is 4600 mL. What is his IRV?

8. Tim’s VC is 4500 mL, his IRV is 2200 mL, and his ERV is 1300 mL. What is his TV?

9. Jenny’s IRV is 2800 mL, her VC is 4600 mL, and her TV is 500 mL. What is her ERV?

10. Jason’s TLC is 6500 mL, his IC is 4500 mL, and his ERV is 1400 mL. What is his RV?

F. Student Resources

MT001 or MT006 Textbook

G. Grading Rubric

Five points for each answer for a total of 50 points. Partial credit can be given at the instructor’s discretion.

Answers:

1. IC = 4400 mL (above average)

2. TV = 450 mL (below average)

3. TLC = 5900 mL (average)

4. IC = 3300 mL (above average)

5. FRC = 1500 mL (below average)

6. IRV = 1900 mL (average)

7. IRV = 2900 mL (below average)

8. TV = 1000 mL (above average)

9. ERV = 1300 mL (above average)

10. RV = 600 mL (below average)

Erie Community College

Title III Grant

1