Question

Which of the following CORRECTLY represents the vital capacity (VC) of the lungs?

A) VC is the sum of FRC and TV
B) VC and TV are the same value
C) VC is the sum of ERV and IRV
D) VC is the sum of TV, ERV, and IRV
E) VC is the sum of TV and ERV

Answer 1

The correct representation of vital capacity (VC) is the sum of tidal volume (TV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), which corresponds to option D in the question.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vital capacity (VC) of the lungs correctly represents the amount of air a person can move into or out of their lungs, and it is the sum of the tidal volume (TV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). So, the correct representation of vital capacity is the sum of TV, ERV, and IRV, which are all the volumes that participate in gas exchange. Therefore, the option D) VC is the sum of TV, ERV, and IRV is the correct answer.