Questions and Answers
What are the two main compartments where water is found in the body?
Intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid.
What percentage of total body weight is made up of water?
About 70%
Name one function of water in the human body related to digestion.
Water is required for the hydrolysis of organic macronutrients.
How does water contribute to the protection of the fetus during pregnancy?
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What role does water play in regulating body temperature?
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Which substances are dissolved in plasma that contributes to water's role in transport?
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In what way does water participate in chemical reactions within the body?
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What is the bicarbonate buffer role of water in the body?
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What important property of water contributes to its function as a lubricant?
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How does water assist in the removal of waste products from the body?
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Study Notes
Acid-Base Balance
- Water (H2O) can adjust pH by interacting with hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
- Acids are proton donors while bases are proton acceptors.
- A healthy diet should consist of approximately 60% alkaline-forming foods and 40% acid-forming foods.
pH Levels and Food Impact
- Strongly acidic foods have a pH around 4.0; neutral foods have a pH of 7.0; strongly alkaline foods reach pH 10.0.
- Acidic food examples: white bread, processed cheese, alcohol, and sodas.
- Neutral food examples include de-ionized water.
- Alkaline food examples: melons, most vegetables, nuts, and grains like quinoa and buckwheat.
Properties of Water
- Solvency: Water acts as a universal solvent, dissolving substances essential for bodily functions.
- Cohesion: Water molecules exhibit strong hydrogen bonding, contributing to water's unique properties.
- Thermostability: Water regulates body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat with a high heat capacity and heat of vaporization.
- Reactivity: Water is crucial in chemical reactions, including dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis.
Maintaining Water Balance
- Fluid balance is vital for homeostasis, ensuring equal water intake and excretion.
- Key factors include dietary sources of water and kidney function for water loss.
- The body adapts efficiently to changes in water intake and losses.
Sources of Water
- Major dietary water sources include beverages, fruits, and vegetables.
- Metabolic processes also contribute approximately 300 ml/day of water.
- Average daily water intake is around 2,550 ml (about 2 quarts).
Routes of Water Excretion
- Water is primarily excreted through the kidneys as urine, with around 1.5 L produced, influenced by water intake.
- Additional losses occur via the large intestine, lungs, and skin.
Water Composition in the Body
- Water comprises about 70% of total body weight, varying between individuals.
- It exists as intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid.
Functions of Water in the Body
- Serves as a solvent for substances like proteins, ions, and nutrients in plasma.
- Facilitates nutrient and oxygen transport throughout the body.
- Assists in waste removal via excretion in urine and feces.
- Essential for digestion, facilitating hydrolysis of macronutrients.
- Maintains body temperature regulation and acts as a lubricant for joints and organs.
- Provides protective cushioning, especially during pregnancy.
- Participates in chemical reactions and plays a role in acid-base balance via bicarbonate buffering.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of acid-base balance with this quiz. Understand how water interacts with H+, OH-, and the implications for a healthy diet. Test your knowledge on the balance between alkaline and acid-forming foods.
