Which of the following statements about variations in human physiology is correct?

• A. Normal physiological values can vary between individuals due to factors such as age, sex, and genetics.
• B. There is no overlap in physiological values between healthy and unhealthy individuals.
• C. Variation in physiology is always a sign of disease.
• D. All humans have identical physiological responses under the same conditions.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by analyzing the question and identifying the key concept being tested, which is the variation in human physiology and its implications.
2. Step 2: Understand that normal physiological values can vary between individuals due to factors such as age, sex, genetics, and environmental influences. This is a fundamental concept in Anatomy & Physiology.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the statement 'There is no overlap in physiological values between healthy and unhealthy individuals.' This is incorrect because there can be overlap in certain physiological ranges, such as blood pressure or glucose levels, between healthy and unhealthy individuals.
4. Step 4: Assess the statement 'Variation in physiology is always a sign of disease.' This is also incorrect because physiological variation can be normal and not necessarily indicative of disease. For example, heart rate varies with activity level and is not always pathological.
5. Step 5: Consider the statement 'All humans have identical physiological responses under the same conditions.' This is incorrect because individual differences, such as genetic makeup and environmental factors, lead to variability in physiological responses even under similar conditions.