Fluids and Electrolyes: Water
DrBruce Forciea・3 minutes read
The human body is about 60% water, distributed between intracellular and extracellular compartments, with water balance critical for overall health through regulation by mechanisms like antidiuretic hormone secretion and thirst control by the hypothalamus. Imbalances in water levels, such as dehydration or water intoxication, can have severe consequences on cell function and lead to conditions like shock or edema in vital organs.
Insights
- The human body is composed of approximately 60% water, primarily distributed between intracellular and extracellular compartments. Maintaining water balance is essential, with intake from metabolic processes and fluids needing to match losses through various bodily functions.
- Water balance is intricately regulated by mechanisms like antidiuretic hormone secretion and thirst control, ensuring proper hydration levels. Imbalances, whether from dehydration or water overload, can have serious repercussions on cellular functions, potentially causing shock or edema in critical organs like the brain and lungs.
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Recent questions
What percentage of the human body is water?
60%
How is water balance regulated in the body?
By mechanisms like ADH secretion and thirst control
What are the consequences of hypovolemia?
Severe effects on cell function and potential shock
How does the body respond to changes in blood concentration?
By secreting antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
What role does the hypothalamus play in thirst regulation?
Controls thirst based on osmolarity changes
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Summary
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Importance of Water Balance in Human Body
- The average adult human body is composed of about 60% water, with the majority located in the intracellular compartment (65%) and the remaining in the extracellular compartment (35%), which includes tissue fluid, blood plasma, lymph, and various other fluids. Water balance is crucial, with gains from metabolism, food, and drink totaling around 2500 milliliters daily, while losses occur through feces, respiration, evaporation, sweat, and urine.
- Water balance is regulated by mechanisms such as the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in response to changes in blood concentration, triggering water retention in the kidneys. Thirst is also controlled by the hypothalamus, with even slight increases in osmolarity leading to thirst. Disorders like hypovolemia (dehydration) and water intoxication can have severe consequences, affecting cell function and potentially leading to shock or edema in the brain and lungs.
