Tidal volume is defined as which of the following?

Tidal volume is defined as which of the following?

• A. Amount of air remaining in the lungs after a force exhalation
• B. Maximal amount of air exhaled after maximal inhalation
• C. Amount of air exchanged with each breath
• D. Amount of air in the lungs after a maximal inhalation

Answer: (C)

Tidal volume is the amount of air moved in and out with each normal, resting breath. It reflects the air exchanged per breath during quiet breathing, not the air left in the lungs after exhalation, the total air you can exhale after a full inhale, or the air in the lungs after a maximal inhalation. So the option describing the air exchanged with each breath is the best match. In an average adult, this is about 500 mL per breath, though it varies with body size and breathing pattern.

Tidal volume is the amount of air moved in and out with each normal, resting breath. It reflects the air exchanged per breath during quiet breathing, not the air left in the lungs after exhalation, the total air you can exhale after a full inhale, or the air in the lungs after a maximal inhalation. So the option describing the air exchanged with each breath is the best match. In an average adult, this is about 500 mL per breath, though it varies with body size and breathing pattern.