Which term refers to the amount of air exhaled after a maximal inspiration?

• A. Vital Capacity
• B. Tidal Volume
• C. Residual Volume
• D. Inspiratory Capacity

Answer: (A)

The amount of air you can exhale after taking the deepest possible breath is called vital capacity. It represents the total air that can be moved out of the lungs in one forced breath after a maximal inhalation, and it equals the sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume. Residual volume remains in the lungs after a maximal exhale and cannot be expelled, so it doesn’t contribute to vital capacity. Tidal volume is the small amount moved with a normal breath, and inspiratory capacity is how much you can inhale after a normal exhale (tidal volume plus inspiratory reserve).