The release of water vapor from the skin when we are not visibly sweating is a process called:

• A. Osmosis
• B. Transpiration
• C. Active sweating
• D. Insensible perspiration

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of insensible perspiration: It refers to the release of water vapor from the skin and respiratory tract that occurs continuously, even when we are not visibly sweating. This process is passive and does not involve active sweat glands.
2. Differentiate insensible perspiration from visible sweating: Visible sweating occurs when sweat glands actively produce liquid sweat in response to heat or stress, while insensible perspiration is a subtle, ongoing process of water vapor loss.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Osmosis refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, which is unrelated to water vapor release from the skin. Transpiration is a term used for water loss in plants, not humans. Active sweating involves visible sweat production, which is different from insensible perspiration.
4. Focus on the correct term: Insensible perspiration is the appropriate term for the process described in the problem, as it specifically refers to the passive release of water vapor from the skin and respiratory tract.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the definitions and distinctions, insensible perspiration is the correct answer to the problem, as it accurately describes the process of water vapor release when we are not visibly sweating.