Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Correct, because fat around organs acts as cushioning and shock absorption
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This health and biology question asks you to evaluate a statement about the role of body fat. Many people think of fat only in negative terms, but adipose tissue actually serves several important physiological functions. One of these functions is protection of vital organs. Understanding this helps you develop a more accurate view of human anatomy and the balance between healthy and excessive fat levels.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Body fat, or adipose tissue, is stored in several places, including under the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around internal organs (visceral fat). While excess visceral fat is associated with health risks, a normal amount of fat around organs serves as a cushion and helps absorb shocks. For example, the kidneys are surrounded by a layer of fat that helps hold them in place and protect them from mechanical injury. Fat also acts as an insulator, helping to maintain body temperature. Therefore, it is accurate to say that fat contributes to the protection of vital organs, although too much fat can create other problems.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Anatomy and physiology textbooks describe perirenal fat (around the kidneys) and other fat deposits as part of the supportive framework of organs. They explain that this fat helps maintain organ position and protects against mechanical injury. While they also warn about the dangers of excess visceral fat for metabolic health, they clearly recognise a normal protective role. Clinical discussions often emphasise that being extremely underweight can reduce protective fat padding, increasing risk of injury and sensitivity to cold. These points confirm that the statement about fat helping to protect vital organs is correct, supporting option A.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Incorrect, because body fat has no protective function and only stores toxins is wrong because fat is a tissue with important roles in energy storage, insulation, and cushioning; it is not simply a waste store.
Incorrect, because only muscles, not fat, protect internal organs is incorrect; muscles provide protection and movement, but fat provides cushioning and shock absorption around organs.
Correct only in extreme obesity, not in healthy individuals is wrong because a normal, healthy amount of fat also provides protection; protection is not limited to very high fat levels.
Common Pitfalls:
Because of concerns about obesity, learners sometimes develop an overly negative view of all body fat, forgetting its essential physiological functions. Another pitfall is to think that only hard structures like ribs and muscles protect organs. To avoid these misconceptions, remember that moderate amounts of body fat help cushion and protect vital organs, even though excessive fat can lead to other health problems. Thus, the statement in the question is correctly describing one of the beneficial roles of fat.
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