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tidal volume of smokers vs. nonsmokers

Tidal Volume of Smokers Vs. Nonsmokers


This experiment showed us how fit our lungs are by using a spirometer to measure the different volumes within our lungs. The volumes measured in the experiment include tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, the vital capacity, and the forced expiratory volume. Smoking may have an effect on these different volumes of air moving in and out of the lungs. Smoking increases the amount of physiologic dead space within the lungs; this happens when damaged alveoli combine to form larger alveoli, increasing the volume while decreasing the surface area of the alveoli. This increase in volume of the alveoli does not allow for adequate gas exchange, so in theory the body would have to bring in more air to reach the same amount of gas exchange obtained with healthy alveoli. For my hypothesis I will expect to see a higher tidal volume in relation to people who smoke then to people who do not smoke. Tidal volume is the volume of air inspired or expired d...

Posted by: Helene Hannah

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