How does tidal volume compare to vital capacity?

Tidal volume refers to the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath. It represents the volume of a single breath taken at rest. On the other hand, vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking the deepest possible breath. It encompasses several components, including tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume.

Since tidal volume is a component of vital capacity, the correct understanding is that tidal volume contributes to the overall capacity of air that can be dynamically utilized in the respiratory system. Thus, it is accurate to state that tidal volume is included within vital capacity. This means any healthy individual’s vital capacity will necessarily include the tidal volume as part of its total measurement, illustrating the relationship between these two respiratory parameters.