Introduction
BODY FLUID
Body fluids refers to all normal liquids present in the human body. Body fluids make up 50-60% of body mass of an average man.
The body fluids perform various functions which include transport of nutrients, waste removal, maintain cellular function, and regulate body temperature.
ELECTROLYTE
Electrolyte refers to charged particles that exist normally in human body. Electrolytes are minerals that become either positively or negatively charged when dissolved in water or fluids of the body.
Electrolytes perform functions such as muscle contraction, control of nerve impulses, hydration of the body, and acid-base balance.
Fluid Compartments
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Total Body Water (TBW) refers to the total fluid volume found in the body. The fluid contribute to the overall weight of a person. For adult male, the fluid comprises of 60 % of total body weight while for adult female, the fluid form 50-55 % of the total body weight. The fluids exist in various compartments within the body.
Compartments. The Total Body Water is distributed throughout the body, and are located in two major compartments.
Intracellular Fluid Compartment (ICF)
Which refers to all fluids located inside the cells and form 2/3 of the Total Body Water of the normal average person.
Extracellular Fluid Compartment (EFC)
Refers to the body fluids located outside the cells. The ECF comprises of intravascular (plasma), interstitial, and transcellular (CSF, synovial, pleural) fluids and forms 1/3 of the total body water volume.
Key Electrolytes & Reference Ranges
|
Electrolyte |
Normal Range |
Key Function |
|
Sodium (Na⁺) |
135–145 mEq/L |
Fluid
balance, nerve impulses |
|
Potassium
(K⁺) |
3.5–5.0 mEq/L |
Cardiac
& muscle function |
|
Calcium (Ca²⁺) |
8.6–10.2
mg/dL |
Bones,
clotting, muscles |
|
Magnesium
(Mg²⁺) |
1.5–2.5 mEq/L |
Neuromuscular
function |
|
Chloride
(Cl⁻) |
98–106 mEq/L |
Acid–base
balance |
|
Phosphate
(PO₄³⁻) |
2.5–4.5
mg/dL |
Energy
(ATP), bones |
Fluid Regulation & Homeostasis
More Practice Questions
Fluid regulation help in maintain normal body fluid balance (homeostasis). There are various hormones and body organs that help in fluid regulations.
Key body organs that are involve are; kidneys, hypothalamus, and endocrine system. Kidney is the primary organ for maintaining homeostasis.
Major Regulators
Major hormones that re involve include; Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH), Aldosterone, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), and Renin- Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).
Each of these hormones play a specific function in maintenance of normal body fluid balance. ADH helps retain water, Aldosterone helps in retaining of sodium ion and water, and RAAS helps in sodium ion/ water retention balance.
Discussion