Vital capacity is defined as the greatest volume of air that can be inspired and expired in one breath. Which range best describes a typical vital capacity?

Vital capacity is defined as the greatest volume of air that can be inspired and expired in one breath. Which range best describes a typical vital capacity?

• A. 1-2 liters
• B. 4-5 liters
• C. 8-9 liters
• D. 0.5 liters

Answer: (B)

Vital capacity is the total amount of air you can move in and out in one full breath. For a healthy adult, this is about 4–5 litres because it combines three parts: the inspiratory reserve (the extra air you can inhale beyond a normal breath), the tidal volume (the normal breath, about 0.5 L), and the expiratory reserve (the extra air you can exhale beyond a normal breath). The sum of these around 4–5 litres is typical. The other options don’t fit: 1–2 litres is too small, 0.5 litres is just a normal breath (tidal volume), and 8–9 litres is unusually large for a typical adult.

Vital capacity is the total amount of air you can move in and out in one full breath. For a healthy adult, this is about 4–5 litres because it combines three parts: the inspiratory reserve (the extra air you can inhale beyond a normal breath), the tidal volume (the normal breath, about 0.5 L), and the expiratory reserve (the extra air you can exhale beyond a normal breath). The sum of these around 4–5 litres is typical. The other options don’t fit: 1–2 litres is too small, 0.5 litres is just a normal breath (tidal volume), and 8–9 litres is unusually large for a typical adult.