Pulmonary Function Testing Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to pulmonary function testing as presented in the lecture notes.

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

A group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how well they transfer oxygen into the blood.

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The maximum amount of air that the lungs can hold, which consists of all lung volumes.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

The total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁)

The volume of air that can be exhaled in the first second of a forced exhalation.

Restricted Lung Disorders

Diseases that restrict lung expansion, leading to decreased lung volumes.

Obstructive Lung Disorders

Diseases characterized by increased airflow resistance, leading to difficulty exhaling.

Residual Volume (RV)

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

The maximum speed of expiration measured in liters per second.

Diffusion Capacity (DLCO)

A measure of how well oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged through the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

The maximum pressure generated by the patient during a forced inhalation against a closed airway.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

A set of tests that measure how well the heart and lungs respond to exercise.

Body Plethysmography

A test that measures total lung capacity, residual volume, and functional residual capacity using principles of gas laws.

Airway Resistance

The resistance to airflow in the respiratory tract, often increased in obstructive diseases.

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration.

Tidal Volume (VT)

The amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Forced Expiratory Flow 25%-75% (FEF 25%-75%)

The average flow rate of air during the middle 50% of the forced vital capacity maneuver.