Respiratory system definitions - Edexcel A-Level PE

What is a pressure gradient?

High pressure to low pressure

What is partial pressure?

the pressure exerted by a single gas in a mixture of gases.

What is tidal volume?

The amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, without any extra effort.

What is inspiratory reserve volume?

the maximum amount of air that can be forcefully inhaled after a normal inhalation

What is expiratory reserve volume (ERV)?

the maximum amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal exhalation.

What is residual volume?

the amount of air that remains in the lungs even after a forceful exhale.

What is vital capacity?

the maximum amount of air a person can exhale forcefully after taking the deepest breath possible.

What is the formula for vital capacity?

Vital Capacity = Inspiratory Reserve Volume + Tidal Volume + Expiratory Reserve Volume.

What is inspiratory capacity?

the maximum amount of air a person can inhale after a normal exhalation.

=TV + IRV

What is functional residual capacity?

the volume of air that remains in the lungs after a normal exhalation.

What is total lung capacity?

the maximum amount of air that the lungs can hold after taking in a deep breath.

= TV + IRV + ERV + RV