Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Respiratory System
C4 · Lung Volumes and Capacities
C4.ii · Functional Residual Capacity
Define the functional residual capacity of the lung and: a. describe its clinical significance, b. describe the factors that affect it, c. explain how it is measured.
Written examination
SAQ history
FRC Measurement
2 exam appearances
What is functional residual capacity (30% of marks)? Describe two methods of measuring functional residual capacity (70% of marks)
59%
Functional Residual Capacity — Functions & Determinants
1 exam appearance
Define functional residual capacity (10% marks). Outline the functions of the functional residual capacity (70% marks) and the factors affecting it (20% marks).
79%
Functional Residual Capacity — Reduced FRC
2 exam appearances
Describe the physiological consequences of decreasing the functional residual capacity (FRC) in an adult by 1 litre.
70%
Describe the physiological consequences of decreasing Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) by one litre in an adult.
33%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2024A · Day 2 · VIVA 1
This VIVA will examine respiratory physiology and measurement. Explain how factors that vary between AND within healthy individuals can alter the Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)?
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2022A · Day 1 · VIVA 6
This viva will explore your understanding of respiratory physiology. How might the functional residual capacity change when you preoxygenate a patient with 100% oxygen in the supine position?
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2018B · Day 1 · VIVA 3
This viva will test your knowledge of respiratory physiology. What is functional residual capacity (FRC)?
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2016A · Day 1 · VIVA 2
This viva tested knowledge of Respiratory Physiology. It discussed compliance, Functional Residual Capacity (FRC), Pressure Volume Loops and the work of breathing. It went on to discuss abdominal pressure, splanchnic blood flow and pharmacology of terlipressin.
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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.