What is the term for the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing?

The term for the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing is tidal volume. Tidal volume is defined as the amount of air that is exchanged with each breath during regular, restful breathing. It typically averages about 500 mL in a healthy adult.

Understanding this concept is important for assessing lung function and the efficiency of respiratory mechanics. In clinical settings, knowing tidal volume helps evaluate conditions such as restrictive or obstructive lung diseases where this volume may be affected.

Vital capacity, on the other hand, represents the total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after taking the deepest breath possible, which is a broader measure than tidal volume. Residual volume refers to the amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation, and inspiratory reserve volume is the additional volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation. Each of these terms represents specific aspects of lung function, but only tidal volume pertains directly to the volume exchanged during normal, quiet breathing.