Final answer:
The statement is true; thirst is associated with conditions like blood loss that decrease the total volume of body water, as the hypothalamus and ADH work to regulate water intake and conserve hydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thirst is indeed associated with any condition that decreases the total volume of body water, such as blood loss or hemorrhage. When the body loses water and becomes dehydrated, the blood volume decreases. This decrease in blood volume results in a physiological response that induces the sensation of thirst.
The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating water intake by monitoring the concentration of solutes (osmolality) in the blood. If the solute concentration is too high because of water loss, the hypothalamus signals the conscious awareness of thirst, and in response, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is released.
ADH helps the kidneys conserve water and reduce urine output to maintain hydration. Therefore, the statement that thirst is associated with conditions that decrease total body water volume is true.