Which of the following statements about bacteria in the human body is correct?

• A. The human body is completely sterile and does not contain any bacteria.
• B. All bacteria in the human body are harmful and cause disease.
• C. Some bacteria in the human body are beneficial and aid in processes such as digestion.
• D. Bacteria are only found on the skin and not inside the human body.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the human microbiota, which refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, that live on and inside the human body.
2. Recognize that the human body is not sterile; it hosts a vast number of bacteria in various locations such as the gut, skin, mouth, and other mucosal surfaces.
3. Know that not all bacteria are harmful; many bacteria are beneficial and play essential roles, such as aiding digestion, synthesizing vitamins, and protecting against harmful pathogens.
4. Recall that bacteria are found both on the skin and inside the body, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, which is a major site of bacterial colonization.
5. Evaluate each statement based on these facts to identify the correct one: the statement that some bacteria in the human body are beneficial and aid in processes such as digestion is accurate.