Residual volume (RV)

Definition

Residual volume is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a person has exhaled as much as they can. It ensures that the lungs do not collapse by maintaining a constant volume of air within them.

Related terms

Tidal Volume:

The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing with each breath.

Vital Capacity:

The maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation, showing the capacity for lung expansion.

Total Lung Capacity:

The total volume of air contained in the lungs at maximum inflation, combining vital capacity and residual volume