Which of the following volumes represents the greatest percentage of water in the extracellular compartment of the human body?

• A. Lymph
• B. Transcellular fluid
• C. Plasma
• D. Interstitial fluid

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the extracellular compartment of the human body. The extracellular compartment includes all the fluid outside of cells, which is divided into interstitial fluid, plasma, lymph, and transcellular fluid.
2. Step 2: Define each type of fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and bathes the cells, plasma is the liquid component of blood, lymph is the fluid in the lymphatic system, and transcellular fluid includes specialized fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid.
3. Step 3: Compare the relative volumes of these fluids. Interstitial fluid makes up the largest portion of the extracellular fluid, followed by plasma, lymph, and transcellular fluid, which are smaller in volume.
4. Step 4: Recognize that interstitial fluid accounts for the greatest percentage of water in the extracellular compartment, as it occupies the space between cells and tissues.
5. Step 5: Conclude that interstitial fluid is the correct answer based on its significant contribution to the extracellular fluid volume compared to the other options.