Which component of the anesthesia machine serves as the gas reservoir and is used for manual ventilation?

• A. Ventilator Controls
• B. Ventilator Bellows
• C. Reservoir Bag
• D. CO2 Absorber

Answer: (C)

In the anesthesia machine, the reservoir bag is the gas reservoir that also enables manual ventilation. Fresh gas flow fills the bag and keeps the breathing circuit supplied with gas; when you squeeze the bag, you deliver a breath to the patient, making it the primary tool for manual ventilation and for gauging ventilation by watching bag movement. The other components don’t store gas or provide a manual ventilation route: ventilator controls and bellows handle automatic breaths but don’t serve as a gas reservoir, and the CO2 absorber removes carbon dioxide rather than storing gas for ventilation.