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Ch. 17 Blood
Chapter 16, Problem 1

The blood volume in an adult averages approximately a. 1 L, b. 3 L, c. 5 L, d. 7 L.

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1
Understand that the question is asking about the average blood volume in an adult human.
Recall that the average blood volume in an adult is typically around 7-8% of their body weight.
Consider that the average adult body weight is approximately 70 kg.
Calculate the blood volume by multiplying the body weight by the percentage of blood volume (e.g., 70 kg * 0.07).
Compare the calculated blood volume to the options provided (1 L, 3 L, 5 L, 7 L) to determine the closest match.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Blood Volume

Blood volume refers to the total amount of blood circulating within the body. In adults, this volume typically averages around 5 liters, which is crucial for maintaining adequate circulation, oxygen delivery, and nutrient transport throughout the body.
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Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes. Blood volume plays a vital role in homeostasis, as it affects blood pressure and the overall fluid balance, which are essential for proper physiological function.
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Physiological Variations

Physiological variations refer to the differences in blood volume that can occur due to factors such as age, sex, body size, and health status. Understanding these variations helps in recognizing that while 5 liters is an average, individual blood volume can differ significantly.
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