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.
2.
3.
4.
Tidal Volume (TV) – amount of air inhaled and exhaled in one respiratory
cycle under normal conditions.
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) – amount of air that can be forcefully
inhaled after a normal TV inhalation.
Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) – amount of air that can be forcefully
exhaled after a normal TV
exhalation.
Residual Volume (RV) – amount of air left in lungs after maximal
exhalation.
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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
Tidal Volume (TV)
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)
Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)
Residual Volume (RV)
Vital Capacity (VC)
Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)
Total Lung Capacity (TLC)
Males
500-600 mL
3000-3300 mL
1000-1200 mL
1200-1300 mL
4600-4800 mL
3500-3600 mL
2300-2500 mL
5800-6000 mL
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Females
500-600 mL
1900-2100 mL
700-800 mL
1000-1100 mL
3100-3400 mL
2400 mL
1800 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?
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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
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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)
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