Final answer:
A database includes metadata which describes the structure and management of a database, such as tables, fields, and relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
A database includes metadata, which is data within itself that describes its contents. Metadata is essential in understanding data structure, management, and retrieval within a database system. It serves a vital role in a database because it defines the database's tables, fields, and relationships, as well as constraints and indexes to ensure the integrity and performance of the database. The term data can refer to singular observations or information collected during a scientific investigation to test a hypothesis. However, in the context of databases, data frequently pertains to the contents of the records the database contains, such as individual entries in a table.
Metadata in a database is crucial for understanding, organizing, and managing the data it contains. It is a valuable resource for database administrators, developers, and users to comprehend the structure and meaning of the stored information.