Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Respiratory System
C4 · Lung Volumes and Capacities
C4.iii · Closing Capacity
Define the closing capacity of the lung and: a. describe the clinical significance, b. describe the factors that affect it, c. explain how it is measured.
Written examination
SAQ history
Closing Capacity
2 exam appearances
(a) Define closing capacity (10% of marks). (b) With respect to closing capacity, describe the following: (i) the physiological factors that alter it (30% of marks). (ii) the clinical significance (30% of marks). (iii) ONE method of measurement (30% of marks).
34%
Define closing capacity (10% of marks). Describe the factors that alter it (30% of marks), its clinical significance (30% of marks) and one method of measuring it (30% of marks).
49%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2021B · Day 3 · VIVA 4
This viva will assess your knowledge of respiratory physiology. Define the “closing capacity” of the lung and explain how it can be measured using the diagram below. (Image removed from report).
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2014A · VIVA 7
This Viva tested knowledge on respiratory physiology. It explored the spirogram, aspects of functional residual capacity, closing volume, the effects of obesity on respiratory function and alterations in pharmacology.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.