Which of the following respiratory volumes represents the air remaining in the lungs after forced expiration?
Show Hint
Residual volume always remains in the lungs and cannot be expelled, even after forceful expiration. It helps keep alveoli open and prevents lung collapse.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The task is to identify the specific lung volume that cannot be exhaled even with maximum effort. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Even after the most forceful expiration, the lungs are never completely empty of air.
The volume of air that stays in the lungs to keep the alveoli open and prevent lung collapse is called the Residual Volume (RV).
It typically averages between \(1100\ \text{mL}\) to \(1200\ \text{mL}\).
Because this air never leaves the lungs, it cannot be measured directly by simple spirometry. Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct term for this volume is Residual Volume (RV).