Clinical Chemistry: Body Fluids

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of an adult human body is made up of fluid?

70%

50%

60% (correct)

40%

What is the role of the heart in correcting overload imbalances?

Maintaining acid-base balance

Releasing electrolytes into the bloodstream

Releasing ANP from the right atrium (correct)

Regulating nerve and muscle function

What is the primary function of intracellular fluid?

To regulate body temperature

To act as a solvent for cellular components

To maintain cell shape (correct)

To transport nutrients across the cell membrane

What is the proportion of water in the Intra Cellular Fluid (ICF) compared to the Extra Cellular Fluid (ECF)?

Two-thirds in ICF and one-third in ECF Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total body weight do electrolytes represent?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of water as a solvent in the body?

To accelerate chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of electrolytes in the human body?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an intracellular electrolyte?

Potassium Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of disturbances in water homeostasis?

Gain or loss of extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance Signup and view all the answers

Which system is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of body fluid?

Both the endocrine and nervous systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an electrolyte imbalance where there is too much of a certain mineral in the body?

Hyper Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the sources of water to the body?

Oxidation of foodstuffs and dietary liquids Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of electrolyte imbalance?

Kidney damage caused by illness Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ways the body loses water?

Through the skin and lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate daily intake of fluid in an adult human at rest?

2,500 ml Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of edema?

Disruption of the filtration and osmotic forces of the body’s circulating fluids Signup and view all the answers

What happens to plasma osmolarity when an individual is dehydrated?

It increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Renin–angiotensin system?

Maintaining blood pressure and blood volume Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

Controlling the amount of water excreted by the kidney Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of having low sodium levels in the body?

Cells swell Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for dehydration?

Supplemental fluids and electrolytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the excess accumulation of fluid in interstitial tissue spaces?

Edema Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Body Fluids

Body fluids make up 60% of an adult human body, mainly consisting of water and ions.
Body fluids are divided into two main compartments: intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF).
ICF functions as a stabilizing agent for cell parts, maintains cell shape, and assists with transport of nutrients across the cell membrane.
Two-thirds of the water is in ICF, and one-third is in ECF.

Functions of Water

Acts as a solvent for cellular components.
Has catalytic action, accelerating chemical reactions in the body.
Lubricates joints, pleura, conjunctiva, and peritoneum.
Regulates heat loss through evaporation from skin and lungs.

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Maintained by the endocrine system and nervous system.
A dynamic process crucial for life and homeostasis.

Sources of Water to the Body

Dietary liquids
Solid foods
Oxidation of foodstuffs

Water Output

Urine
Respiration
Lactation
Feces
Eyes (tears)
Evaporation from skin and lungs

Normal Intake and Output

Daily intake: approximately 2,500 ml of fluid.
Daily output: approximately equal to intake.

Overhydration and Dehydration

Overhydration: occurs when too much water is taken without solute, leading to decreased plasma osmolarity.
Dehydration: occurs when water is lost without solute, leading to increased plasma osmolarity.

Edema

Excess accumulation of fluid in interstitial tissue spaces.
Caused by a disruption of filtration and osmotic forces in the body's circulating fluids.

Electrolytes

Represent 7% of total body weight.
Functions: maintain acid-base balance, normal osmolality, and valium of body fluid, regulate nerve and muscle function, and help rebuild damaged tissue.
Electrolytes are found in the form of inorganic salts, acids, and bases.
Electrolyte concentrations are measured in milliequivalents.

Intracellular and Extracellular Electrolytes

Intracellular electrolytes: potassium, magnesium, sulfate, and phosphate, with potassium as the most dominant cation and phosphate as the most dominant anion.
Extracellular electrolytes: sodium, chlorine, calcium, and bicarbonate, with sodium as the most essential cation and chlorine as the most important anion.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Occurs when there is too much or not enough of certain minerals in the body.
Causes: kidney damage, severe vomiting, diarrhea, GI malabsorption, lifestyle, and inherited genetic conditions.
Types of electrolyte disorders: hyper (too high) and hypo (too low).

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of body fluids, including their composition and compartmentalization in the human body. Learn about the importance of fluids and electrolytes in clinical chemistry.