HLTH 230 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Hypotension, Xerostomia, Fluid Compartments
Document Summary
Needed in large quantities: can only survive without water for a few days. 60% of adults body is water: makes of weight of tissue, of the weight of fat. Percentage of water is lower in females, elderly. Roles of water in body fluids and obese people. Maintains structure of large molecules: protein, glycogen. Serves as a solvent for vitamins and minerals, amino acids, glucose: allows them to participate in metabolic reactions. Acts as a lubricant and cushion for joints: inside eyes, spine. Maintains blood volume: body must maintain all water balance to support all of. Water intake and excretion is adjusted to ensure intracellular fluid and interstitial fluid is maintained: within and in between cells. Intracellular fluid within: 2/3 of body"s water, high in potassium and phosphate. Interstitial fluid between: largest component of extracellular fluid. Outside of the cell: high in sodium and chloride. Thirst: conscious desire to drink, thirst is only second behind the body"s actual need for it.