What does vital capacity represent in respiratory measurements?

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The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathingThe combined volume of air inspired and expired beyond normal breathingThe sum of tidal volume, inspiratory reserve, and expiratory reserve volumesThe total of expiratory reserve volume and an additional reserve volume

Explanation

Option A is incorrect because tidal volume refers only to the air moved during normal breathing. Vital capacity actually measures the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after a maximum inhalation, which includes tidal volume plus inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes, as described in option C.