Which statement is true regarding the adult brain's oxygen consumption?

The adult brain's oxygen consumption is indeed approximately 50 ml/min, which signifies its high demand for oxygen relative to its size. This consumption is essential because the brain, although accounting for only about 2% of the body’s weight, is responsible for a significant portion of the body's energy expenditure—approximately 20%—when at rest. Oxygen is vital for aerobic metabolism, allowing neurons to produce ATP effectively to support their functions.

This option highlights the metabolic efficiency necessary for sustaining neural activity, electrical signaling, and neurotransmission that are crucial for cognition and bodily control. Other statements regarding energy sources and metabolism—such as the brain utilizing only glucose or details about anaerobic metabolism—do not accurately reflect the brain's metabolic versatility and overall complexity. Furthermore, while factors like hyperglycemia can influence metabolic pathways, they do not succinctly describe the oxygen consumption aspect. This context underscores why the estimate of oxygen consumption is not only accurate but significant for understanding brain physiology.