Total lung capacity (TLC)

Definition

Total lung capacity is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold after a full inhalation. It includes the volume of air inhaled during a deep breath plus any additional air the lungs can contain.

Related terms

Tidal Volume (TV): The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Vital Capacity (VC): The total amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximal inhalation.

Residual Volume (RV): The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation, preventing lung collapse