As a percentage of body weight, the total body water tends to be higher in ________ and lower in ________ .
a. infants; men
b. women; men
c. men; infants
d. infants; women

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of total body water (TBW): Total body water is the amount of water in a person's body, expressed as a percentage of their body weight. It varies based on factors such as age, sex, and body composition.
2. Recall that infants have a higher percentage of total body water compared to adults. This is because their bodies are composed of a larger proportion of water relative to their body weight.
3. Recognize that women generally have a lower percentage of total body water compared to men. This is due to differences in body composition, as women tend to have a higher proportion of adipose tissue (fat), which contains less water than lean tissue.
4. Eliminate incorrect options by matching the descriptions to the groups: Infants have the highest percentage of total body water, and women have the lowest percentage.
5. Select the correct answer based on the analysis: The total body water tends to be higher in infants and lower in women.

Key Concepts

Total Body Water (TBW)

Total Body Water refers to the amount of water contained in the body, which is crucial for various physiological functions. It is typically expressed as a percentage of body weight and varies among different populations due to factors like age, sex, and body composition.

Body Composition Differences

Body composition differences, particularly between genders and age groups, significantly influence TBW percentages. Generally, infants have a higher percentage of water due to their lower body fat and higher metabolic needs, while women typically have a lower percentage compared to men due to higher fat mass.

Physiological Implications of TBW

The percentage of total body water has important physiological implications, including hydration status, thermoregulation, and nutrient transport. Understanding these differences helps in clinical assessments and interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly.