In a typical healthy adult, approximately how much blood is contained in the human body?

• A. About 1 liter
• B. About 5 liters (roughly 4–6 L)
• C. About 10–12 liters
• D. About 20 liters

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the total blood volume in a typical healthy adult is generally estimated based on body weight and average physiological values.
2. Recall that blood volume is usually about 7-8% of total body weight in kilograms for an average adult.
3. Use the approximate average adult body weight (for example, around 70 kg) to calculate blood volume by multiplying body weight by the percentage of blood volume: \(\text{Blood Volume} = \text{Body Weight} \times 0.07\) to \$0.08$.
4. Recognize that this calculation typically results in a blood volume of about 4 to 6 liters, which aligns with the commonly accepted average of approximately 5 liters.
5. Conclude that the correct estimate for blood volume in a typical healthy adult is about 5 liters, which is consistent with physiological norms.