Which lung volume cannot be controlled?

Question

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

Tidal Volume (VT)

Residual Volume (RV)

Inspiratory Capacity (IC)

Answer 1

Residual volume cannot be controlled. This volume in the lungs remains there to prevent the collapse of the alveoli.

Things to keep in mind:

IRV = Air that can still be breathed in after normal inspiration

IC = Total inspiratory air volume considering both tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume (IC = TV + IRV)

TV = Air that moves into lung with each quiet inspiration, typically 500mL

RV = Air in lung after maximal expiration