What is the term for the volume of air that can be forcibly expelled from the lungs after a maximal inhalation?

The term that describes the volume of air that can be forcibly expelled from the lungs after a maximal inhalation is vital capacity. Vital capacity is a key measure of lung function and represents the maximum amount of air a person can exhale following the deepest inhalation they can perform. This measurement is crucial in assessing the health and capability of the respiratory system, particularly in various clinical and athletic contexts.

Other terms listed, such as dead space, residual volume, and minute volume, serve different purposes in respiratory physiology. Dead space refers to areas of the respiratory system where gas exchange does not occur, instead of measuring exhaled air. Residual volume represents the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a complete exhalation, while minute volume indicates the total volume of air exchanged in one minute. These definitions clarify why vital capacity is the only term that directly answers the question regarding the forcible expulsion of air after a full inhalation.