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Functional Residual CapacityAka: FRC

See Also
Physiology
1. Volume remaining in lungs at resting expiratory level
2. Equivalent to alveolar volume (Va)
  1. Respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts: 30-40%
  2. Alveoli: 60-70%
3. Calculation: ERV + RV
4. Normal adult: 1.8 to 3.4 Liters
Factors that increase FRC (Hyperinflation)
1. Emphysema
2. Aging
3. Asthma
4. Peribronchial fibrosis
Factors that decrease FRC
1. Age
2. Obesity
3. Supine posture
4. Sedation

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, and was last revised 1/26/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0.