vital capacity

views updated May 11 2018

vital capacity The total amount of air that can be exhaled after maximum inspiration. The vital capacity of an average human is about 4.5 litres; in trained male athletes it can be 6 litres or more. However, some air always remains in the lungs (see residual volume).

vital capacity

views updated May 29 2018

vital capacity (vy-t'l) n. the maximum volume of air that a person can exhale after maximum inspiration. forced v. c. (FVC) the maximum volume of air that the lungs can expel in a forced expiration after the deepest possible inspiration.