Chapter 25, Problem 1MC

Body water content is greatest in (a) infants, (b) young adults, (c) elderly adults.

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Two major fluid compartments are present in human body, one is intracellular fluid (ICF) and second is the extracellular fluid (ECF). Two third (2/3) of the total body water is present in ICF, whereas ECF only accounts for the remaining one third (1/3) of total body water. The ECF is further divided into two parts interstitial fluid (75%) and plasma (25%). The concentration of total body water varies between children and adults, depending on the age group.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The highest water content is present in infants.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Infants and children posses higher water content in the body. They have higher metabolic rates and increased body surface area to mass index, which makes higher turnover of fluids and solutes. Thus, infants and children require more water compare to the adults. Infants constitute 70% water content of their body weight. Hence option (a) is the correct option.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (b) states that young adults contain highest water content, which is a false statement as infants constitute 70% - 80% water content of their body weight that is greater than young adults (around 60-65%).

Option (c) states that elderly adults contain highest water content, which is a false statement as infants constitute 70% water content of their body weight that is greater than alderly adults (around 50-60%).

Conclusion

Thus it is concluded that highest water content is present in infants i.e. 70% - 80% water content of their total body weight.