What do you call the change in volume for a given change in pressure?

• A. Ventilation
• B. Compliance
• C. Resistance
• D. Volume displacement

Answer: (B)

The change in volume for a given change in pressure is referred to as compliance. Compliance is a crucial concept in the mechanics of ventilation, as it describes how easily the lungs can expand and contract in response to pressure changes. A high compliance indicates that the lungs can easily distend with minimal pressure, while low compliance signifies that more pressure is required to achieve the same volume change, which can be indicative of various pulmonary conditions.

In the context of respiratory physiology, compliance can be measured as the ratio of the change in volume of the lungs to the change in pressure applied to them, reflecting the elasticity and stiffness of the lung tissue. Understanding compliance is essential for clinicians and researchers when assessing lung function and the overall respiratory mechanics of patients.