The largest percentage of body water is located in what compartment?

• A. blood plasma
• B. interstitial fluid
• C. extracellular fluid
• D. intracellular fluid

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of body fluid compartments: The human body contains several fluid compartments, which are primarily divided into intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF).
2. Define intracellular fluid (ICF): This is the fluid contained within the cells, making up about 60-65% of the total body water.
3. Define extracellular fluid (ECF): This includes all the fluid outside the cells, such as interstitial fluid and blood plasma, and accounts for about 35-40% of the total body water.
4. Differentiate between interstitial fluid and blood plasma: Interstitial fluid surrounds the cells, while blood plasma is the liquid component of blood. Both are part of the extracellular fluid.
5. Conclude that the largest percentage of body water is located in the intracellular fluid compartment, as it comprises the majority of the body's total water content.