What is the average tidal volume for an adult in milliliters?

The average tidal volume for an adult is typically around 500 milliliters. Tidal volume refers to the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal, relaxed breathing. This volume can vary based on factors such as age, sex, body size, and overall lung capacity, but 500 ml is widely recognized as the standard average for a healthy adult at rest.

Understanding tidal volume is important in fields like respiratory therapy and critical care, as it helps in assessing a patient's respiratory function and determining appropriate ventilatory support if needed. Using this metric allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about oxygen delivery and mechanical ventilation settings.