Final answer:
It is true that about 3100 mL of air can be forcibly inhaled over the normal tidal volume, representing the inspiratory reserve volume which, together with the tidal volume, makes up inspiratory capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the amount of air that can be forcibly inhaled over the tidal volume is around 3100 mL is true. It is true that about 3100 mL of air can be forcibly inhaled over the normal tidal volume, representing the inspiratory reserve volume which, together with the tidal volume, makes up inspiratory capacity.
Tidal volume (TV) refers to the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing, which is approximately 500 milliliters. Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) is the additional air that can be forcibly inhaled after the inhalation of a normal tidal volume, and this can be about 3100 milliliters in a healthy adult male.
Thus, the inspiratory capacity (IC), which is the sum of the tidal volume and the inspiratory reserve volume, indicates the total amount of air a person can inhale after normal exhalation.