What lung measurement is associated with the inspiratory capacity (IC)?

Inspiratory capacity (IC) is a key lung volume measurement that represents the maximum amount of air a person can inhale after a normal expiration. It is the sum of tidal volume (the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing) and inspiratory reserve volume (the extra air that can be inhaled with forced effort after a normal inhalation).

In healthy adults, the average inspiratory capacity ranges around 3,000 to 3,600 mL, depending on various factors such as age, sex, body size, and overall health. The option providing a measurement of 3600 mL falls within this normal range and is aligned with typical physiological values for healthy individuals, making it the correct answer in the context of this question. Understanding inspiratory capacity is crucial for assessing lung function and indicates the lung's ability to hold and utilize air during deep breathing, which is essential in respiratory care practice.