VITAL CAPACITY Meaning and
Definition
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Vital capacity, in the context of human physiology and respiratory function, refers to the maximum volume of air that an individual can forcefully exhale after taking in the deepest breath possible. It is a measure of the total amount of air that can be moved in and out of the lungs and represents an important parameter for assessing lung health and functionality.
Vital capacity includes the tidal volume (the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during normal, resting breathing) as well as the inspiratory reserve volume (the maximum amount of air that can be forcibly inhaled after a normal inhale) and the expiratory reserve volume (the maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal exhale). These components sum up to determine the total vital capacity.
The measurement of vital capacity is typically done using a spirometer, a device that records the volume of air flow during breathing. It is particularly valuable in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and restrictive lung diseases.
Vital capacity can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, body size, physical fitness, and lung health. Decreased vital capacity may indicate lung diseases, muscular weakness, or decreased lung elasticity. Conversely, higher vital capacity is often associated with good lung health and cardiovascular fitness. Regular exercise and certain breathing techniques can help improve vital capacity and lung function.
Why is Vital Capacity Important?
Vital capacity is an essential measure for evaluating the health and functionality of the respiratory system. It provides valuable information about lung capacity and the ability to move air in and out of the lungs efficiently. Vital capacity measurements can aid in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions, assessing lung disease progression, and evaluating the impact of treatments and interventions. By comparing an individual's vital capacity
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VITAL CAPACITY
- cital capacity
- bital capacity
- gital capacity
- fital capacity
- vutal capacity
- vjtal capacity
- vktal capacity
- votal capacity
- v9tal capacity
- v8tal capacity
- viral capacity
- vifal capacity
- vigal capacity
- viyal capacity
- vi6al capacity
- vi5al capacity
- vitzl capacity
- vitsl capacity
- vitwl capacity
Etymology of VITAL CAPACITY
The etymology of the word "vital capacity" can be broken down as follows:
- "Vital" comes from the Latin word "vitalis", which means "of or pertaining to life". The Latin word has its roots in the term "vita", meaning "life".
- "Capacity" comes from the Latin word "capacitas", which means "ability" or "capability". This Latin word is derived from "capax", which means "able to hold or contain".
Combining the two roots, "vital capacity" refers to the ability or capability of the body in relation to life or living. In the context of physiology, it specifically refers to the maximum amount of air a person can expel from their lungs after a maximum inhalation, which is a measure of lung function.
Similar spelling word for VITAL CAPACITY
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