We introduce the concept of {em maximal lineability cardinal number}, $mL(M)$, of a subset $M$ of a topological vector space and study its relation to the cardinal numbers known as: additivity $A(M)$, homogeneous lineability $HL(M)$, and lineability
$LL(M)$ of $M$. In particular, we will describe, in terms of $LL$, the lineability and spaceability of the families of the following Darboux-like functions on $real^n$, $nge 1$: extendable, Jones, and almost continuous functions.
