The pH of the adult female vagina is normally __________.

• A. alkaline
• B. basic
• C. neutral
• D. acidic

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of pH: pH is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, values below 7 indicating acidity, and values above 7 indicating alkalinity.
2. Recognize the physiological context: The vagina has a naturally acidic environment, which is important for maintaining healthy flora and preventing infections.
3. Consider the options provided: 'alkaline', 'basic', 'neutral', and 'acidic'. Recall that 'alkaline' and 'basic' both refer to pH values above 7, while 'neutral' refers to a pH of 7.
4. Identify the correct term: Since the vagina is known to have an acidic environment, the correct term to describe its pH is 'acidic'.
5. Conclude with the understanding that the acidic pH of the vagina is crucial for its protective functions, helping to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.