Which term describes the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal exhalation?

The correct term that describes the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal exhalation is expiratory reserve volume. After expelling a typical amount of air during a normal breath, there remains additional air in the lungs that can be pushed out with extra effort. This reserve is specifically measured by how much air you can exhale beyond what is typically released in a normal expiration.

Understanding this concept is important because it gives insight into lung capacity and the efficiency of respiratory function, particularly in different physiological states, such as during exercise or in various respiratory illnesses. The other terms mentioned pertain to different aspects of lung volumes; for example, residual volume is the air that remains in the lungs after a forced exhalation, tidal volume refers to the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal breath, and vital capacity is the total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a maximum inhalation. In this context, however, it is the expiratory reserve volume that directly correlates with the question regarding forceful exhalation following a normal breath.