Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
inspiratory capacity
Also written as: IC — inspiratory capacity
Maximum volume of air a person can inhale after a normal expiration.
Full Definition
Inspiratory capacity (IC) is a pulmonary function measurement representing the total amount of air a person can draw into their lungs after a normal, quiet expiration. It equals the sum of tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically measuring approximately 3,500 mL in healthy adults. Respiratory therapists use inspiratory capacity measurements as part of comprehensive pulmonary function testing to assess respiratory muscle strength, lung compliance, and overall pulmonary health in patients with respiratory conditions.
In Context
- "The patient's inspiratory capacity was significantly reduced compared to predicted values." — Pulmonary function test report
- "Inspiratory capacity measurements help assess respiratory muscle weakness in neuromuscular disorders." — Diagnostic evaluation note
Contrasted with
expiratory capacity
Don't confuse with
inspiratory reserve volume
total lung capacity