Which of the following statements about water is false?
A A person can live longer without water than without food.
B Water is the major component of the human body.
C Water is the medium for most chemical reactions in the body.
D Water-based fluids serve as cushions in the body.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The false statement about water is:
A. A person can live longer without water than without food.
Explanation:
- A. A person can live longer without water than without food – This statement is false. While the human body can survive for several weeks without food, it can only survive for a few days without water. Water is critical for maintaining fluid balance, temperature regulation, and overall cellular function. Dehydration can quickly lead to life-threatening complications, and the body typically cannot last more than 3 to 5 days without water. In contrast, a person can survive without food for much longer, potentially weeks, depending on their hydration levels and fat reserves. Water is essential for metabolic processes and the elimination of waste products, making it more immediately necessary than food for survival.
- B. Water is the major component of the human body – This statement is true. Water makes up approximately 60% of an adult’s body weight. It is the primary substance in cells and organs, involved in every bodily function, from digestion to the transportation of nutrients.
- C. Water is the medium for most chemical reactions in the body – This statement is true. Water serves as the solvent in which most of the body’s chemical reactions occur. This includes enzymatic reactions in digestion and metabolism, as well as the transport of nutrients and waste products.
- D. Water-based fluids serve as cushions in the body – This statement is also true. Water-based fluids, like synovial fluid, act as lubricants in joints, reducing friction and providing cushioning. Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord, protecting them from injury.
In summary, while water is vital for all physiological functions, it is incorrect to say that a person can live longer without water than without food. Dehydration is much more quickly fatal than starvation.