Body Fluids Composition and Blood Plasma

Study Notes

Body Fluids

Total Body Water (TBW): approximately 55-60% of body weight in adults
Intracellular Fluid (ICF): 40% of body weight, found inside cells
Extracellular Fluid (ECF): 20% of body weight, found outside cells
- Interstitial Fluid: 15% of body weight, surrounds cells
- Intravascular Fluid (blood plasma): 5% of body weight, inside blood vessels

Blood Plasma Composition

Water: 92%
Proteins: 7%
- Albumin: 60% of plasma proteins, maintains oncotic pressure
- Globulins: 35% of plasma proteins, involved in immune function
- Fibrinogen: 5% of plasma proteins, involved in blood clotting
Nutrients: glucose, amino acids, fatty acids
Waste products: urea, creatinine, bilirubin
Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium
Hormones: insulin, thyroxine, aldosterone

Electrolyte Balance

Sodium: helps regulate blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contractions
Potassium: crucial for heart function, muscle contractions, and nerve function
Calcium: essential for bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve function
Magnesium: involved in muscle contractions, nerve function, and bone health

Acid-Base Balance

pH range: 7.35-7.45
Acid-base regulation: lungs (CO2 removal), kidneys (H+ ion excretion), and buffers (bicarbonate, phosphate)

Fluid Shifts and Imbalance

Dehydration: loss of body water, leading to decreased blood volume and electrolyte imbalance
Overhydration: excess body water, leading to increased blood volume and electrolyte dilution
Edema: excess fluid in interstitial space, causing swelling

Body Fluids

Total Body Water (TBW) accounts for approximately 55-60% of body weight in adults
Intracellular Fluid (ICF) makes up 40% of body weight and is found inside cells
Extracellular Fluid (ECF) comprises 20% of body weight and is found outside cells

Extracellular Fluid Composition

Interstitial Fluid surrounds cells and accounts for 15% of body weight
Intravascular Fluid (blood plasma) is found inside blood vessels and accounts for 5% of body weight

Blood Plasma Composition

Water is the main component of blood plasma, making up 92%
Proteins account for 7% of blood plasma, with Albumin being the most abundant (60%)
Globulins are involved in immune function and make up 35% of plasma proteins
Fibrinogen is involved in blood clotting and accounts for 5% of plasma proteins
Nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, are present in blood plasma
Waste products, including urea, creatinine, and bilirubin, are also present
Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are essential for various bodily functions
Hormones, including insulin, thyroxine, and aldosterone, are transported in blood plasma

Electrolyte Balance

Sodium is crucial for regulating blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contractions
Potassium is essential for heart function, muscle contractions, and nerve function
Calcium is vital for bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve function
Magnesium is involved in muscle contractions, nerve function, and bone health

Acid-Base Balance

The pH range of the body is 7.35-7.45
The body regulates acid-base balance through the lungs, kidneys, and buffers

Fluid Shifts and Imbalance

Dehydration occurs when the body loses water, leading to decreased blood volume and electrolyte imbalance
Overhydration occurs when the body takes in excess water, leading to increased blood volume and electrolyte dilution
Edema is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the interstitial space, causing swelling

Description

Learn about the composition of body fluids, including total body water, intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, and blood plasma. understand the percentages of water, proteins, and albumin in blood plasma.