Mnemonic

Lung Volumes - VATIRE

A mnemonic for the key lung volumes and capacities measured in spirometry.

Expansion

Volume, Air, Tidal, Inspiratory, Residual, Expiratory

Expansion

  • TV - Tidal Volume (~500 mL): volume of a normal resting breath
  • IRV - Inspiratory Reserve Volume (~3000 mL): maximum extra air inspired above TV
  • ERV - Expiratory Reserve Volume (~1100 mL): maximum air forcibly expired after normal expiration
  • RV - Residual Volume (~1200 mL): air remaining after maximum expiration; not measurable by spirometry
  • IC - Inspiratory Capacity = TV + IRV
  • FRC - Functional Residual Capacity = ERV + RV (volume at end of normal expiration)
  • VC - Vital Capacity = TV + IRV + ERV
  • TLC - Total Lung Capacity = VC + RV (~6000 mL in an average adult)