First, it can be ascertained that the camel's hump is not in fact filled

with water, simply by cutting into it. Such action would reveal that the
hump is in fact composed mostly of fat. Yet, this could still suggest that
the hump acts as a water store. If a gram of fat is broken down during
metabolism, it produces more than a gram of water. However, camels
cannot use this fat for water production. Due to the arid conditions
prevailing in their habitat, they would lose too much water from their
airways in obtaining enough oxygen for fat degradation.
So, what is the role of the camel's hump? Unfortunately the answer is relatively
dull - it appears that the humps are merely food reserves, and the fat
contained within is degraded and used for nutrition when food is
scarce.
Then how exactly do camels get water? When dehydrated camels are offered
water, they drink and they drink a lot. But they just drink enough to
restore the normal water content of their bodies. In other words, they
do not store water for future needs.
How do camels cope without water? Camels endure long periods without water for two
reasons.
First, they have an exceptional ability to minimize their water losses.
They produce an exceptionally sparse and concentrated urine, as well
as very dry droppings. They minimize water losses in their exhalant air
by using their noses as effective water exchangers. Their prominent
noses contain very large spiral protrusions, turbinates, with large
surface areas. The turbinates are cooled by the inhalant air. The
exhalant air is, in turn, cooled by the turbinates and becomes
oversaturated with water vapour. As a result, water is saved as it
condenses on the turbinates, in the same way as water droplets
appear on a cold windowpane. The camels also tolerate a rise in their
body temperature to well above 40 C during the day, avoiding the
need to cool themselves by evaporating body water, using sweating or
panting. The excess heat is lost during the cooler desert night.
Secondly, camels have an extraordinary ability to tolerate water
loss, dehydration. They may lose 30-40 per cent of their body weight
as water, while still walking in the desert sun.
Although the myth that the camels' humps are filled with water has
been dispelled, this does not change the fact that, physiologically,
camels are incredible animals.