What is the volume of air that can be inspired following a normal, quiet expiration called?

The volume of air that can be inspired following a normal, quiet expiration is known as the inspiratory capacity. This measurement represents the maximum volume of air that can be taken into the lungs after a normal tidal expiration.

Inspiratory capacity is calculated by summing the tidal volume (the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal respiration) and the inspiratory reserve volume (the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after the end of a normal expiration). This is important for understanding respiratory function and assessing lung health, as it represents the potential for additional air intake in response to increased physical activity or demand.

Other terms are relevant in the context of lung volume but refer to different measures. Vital capacity refers to the total volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation, incorporating both inspiratory and expiratory reserves. Functional residual capacity is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation and includes the expiratory reserve volume plus the residual volume. Expiratory reserve volume is the maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a normal expiration. Each of these volumes has its unique significance in respiratory physiology, but in this case, the phrase specifically points to the volume available for inspiration