Question

What is the vital capacity of our lungs?

• A. Inspiratory reserve volume plus functional residual capacity.
• B. Total lung capacity minus expiratory reserve volume.
• C. Inspiratory reserve volume plus expiratory reserve volume
• D. Total lung capacity minus residual volume.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Total lung capacity minus residual volume.

The residual volume is the volume of air left in the lungs at the end of maximal expiration. Vital capacity is the total usable volume of the lungs, which is under voluntary control. This value does not include the entire lung volume as it is not possible to breath all of the air out of the lungs. Total lung capacity (TLC) is = residual volume + vital capacity.