Question

lo 4.4. what is inspiratory reserve volume?
amount of air that can be exhaled above and beyond the tidal volume
amount of air that can be inhaled above and beyond the tidal volume
the amount of air that is left in the lungs after a normal exhalation
the amount of air that remains in the lungs after a maximal exhalation
amount of air that is inhaled during a normal breath

Explanation:

In respiratory physiology, inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) is defined as the additional amount of air that can be forcefully inhaled after a normal tidal inhalation. Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing. The key is to focus on the term "inspiratory" which relates to inhalation.

• The first option refers to exhalation (incorrect as IRV is about inhalation).
• The third option is related to air left after normal exhalation (not IRV).
• The fourth option is about air remaining after maximal exhalation (residual volume concept, not IRV).
• The fifth option is tidal volume (normal inhalation amount).

Answer:

Amount of air that can be inhaled above and beyond the tidal volume