Thoraxvolumes
Thorax volumes refer to the air-filled spaces within the thoracic cavity as the lungs expand and contract. In respiratory physiology, they are used to describe how much air the lungs hold under different conditions. The term is often used interchangeably with lung volumes, though some discussions distinguish between the two by emphasizing volumes inside the chest rather than the anatomical structures alone. These measurements help assess pulmonary function, the mechanics of breathing, and the effects of aging, sex, body size, and disease.
The major thorax volumes are tidal volume (VT), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV),
Measurement typically uses spirometry to quantify VT, IRV, ERV, and VC, while RV and TLC are often