Question

Lungs become empty after forceful expiration. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is B False

Lungs always hold a small volume of air even after forceful exhalation. This is known as residual volume. Residual volume is important for many reasons. Firstly, it prevents the lungs from collapsing after each breath. Secondly, if not for the residual volume, initiation of each breath would require tremendous effort. Increased work of breathing would simultaneously increase the energy requirements. Thirdly, the residual volume keeps lungs ventilated between two consecutive breaths.