Final answer:
Inspiratory capacity (IC) is the total amount of air that can be inspired after a normal tidal expiration, comprising the sum of tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which refers to a particular respiratory capacity in the field of human physiology. The Inspiratory Capacity is the total amount of air that can be inspired after a normal tidal expiration. This capacity is the sum of tidal volume (TV) and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). Thus, the correct answer to the question is:
Inspiratory capacity is A) the total amount of air that can be inspired after a tidal expiration.
This definition aligns with the pulmonary function tests that measure various capacities and volumes to assess lung function.