Total lung capacity
Total Lung Capacity
Total lung capacity (TLC), pronounced /ˈtoʊtəl lʌŋ kəˈpæsɪti/, is the maximum amount of air that the lungs can hold after a maximum inhalation. It is a vital parameter in pulmonology and respiratory physiology.
Etymology
The term "total lung capacity" originates from the English words "total", "lung", and "capacity". "Total" comes from the Latin word "totus", meaning "whole" or "entire". "Lung" is derived from the Old English "lungen", and "capacity" comes from the Latin "capacitas", meaning "ability to hold".
Definition
Total lung capacity is the sum of the vital capacity and the residual volume. It represents the total volume of air in the lungs after a maximum inhalation. This value varies depending on age, sex, height, and ethnicity.
Measurement
Total lung capacity can be measured using a variety of techniques, including spirometry, body plethysmography, and gas dilution techniques. These methods provide an accurate assessment of lung volumes and capacities, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory diseases.
Related Terms
- Vital Capacity: The maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation.
- Residual Volume: The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.
- Tidal Volume: The amount of air that moves in or out of the lungs with each respiratory cycle.
- Inspiratory Reserve Volume: The maximum amount of additional air that can be drawn into the lungs by determined effort after normal inspiration.
- Expiratory Reserve Volume: The additional amount of air that can be expired from the lungs by determined effort after normal expiration.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Total lung capacity
- Wikipedia's article - Total lung capacity
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