23 Questions
Which electrolyte is the most dominant cation in the intracellular compartment?
Potassium
What is the most dominant anion in the extracellular electrolytes?
Chlorine
In the context of electrolytes, what does 'hyper' signify?
Too high
What is a common cause of electrolyte imbalance related to severe vomiting and diarrhea?
GI malabsorption
Which electrolyte imbalance type occurs when there is too little of a certain mineral in the body?
Hypokalemia
Which hormone acts to maintain blood pressure, blood volume, and tissue water content by controlling the amount of water and urine concentration excreted by the kidney?
ADH
What is the main function of the Renin–angiotensin system (RAA) in the body?
Control fluid volume
How are electrolyte concentrations typically expressed?
In milliequivalents
What does the thirst center in the hypothalamus control?
Fluid and electrolyte intake
What percentage of total body weight do electrolytes represent?
7%
Which substance disassociates into ions when dissolved in water and is classified as an electrolyte?
Salt
What is the main function of the endocrine system and nervous system in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance?
Regulating plasma osmolarity
In the context of overhydration, what happens if excessive water is consumed without solute?
Cells swell due to the movement of water into them
What is a potential danger associated with water intoxication caused by low sodium levels?
Swelling of brain cells
Which factor contributes to the development of edema?
Increased filtration and osmotic forces in circulating fluids
What occurs during dehydration according to the text?
Water loss but retention of solute
How does water intoxication differ from dehydration in terms of cellular effects?
Dehydration causes cell shrinkage, while water intoxication causes cell swelling.
What is the main function of Intracellular fluid according to the text?
Acting as a stabilizing agent for the parts of the cell
What is the primary function of Extracellular fluid as described in the text?
Appearing as interstitial tissue fluid and intravascular fluid
What percentage of the body's water is found in the Intracellular Fluid (ICF) according to the text?
66%
Which statement accurately describes the function of water in the body?
Water has a catalytic action that accelerates chemical reactions due to its ionizing power
Disturbances of Water Homeostasis can result from:
Gain or loss of intracellular fluid volume
Besides acting as a solvent, what other key function does water serve in the body according to the text?
Lubricating actions to prevent friction in body parts
Study Notes
Body Fluids
- Body fluids make up about 60% of the adult human body, mainly consisting of a water solution of ions and other substances.
- Body fluids are divided into two main compartments: intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF).
- Two-thirds of the water is in the ICF, and one-third is in the ECF.
Functions of Water
- Acts as a solvent for cellular components.
- Has catalytic action, accelerating chemical reactions due to its ionizing power.
- Lubricates joints, pleura, conjunctiva, and peritoneum to prevent friction.
- Regulates heat loss from the body through evaporation of water from skin and lungs.
Disturbances of Water Homeostasis
- Gain or loss of extracellular fluid volume.
- Gain or loss of electrolyte (solute) balance.
Maintenance of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Homeostasis is maintained by the endocrine and nervous systems.
- Sources of water to the body include dietary liquids, solid foods, and oxidation of foodstuffs.
- Water output includes urine, respiration, lactation, feces, and evaporation from skin and lungs.
Overhydration and Dehydration
- Overhydration occurs when too much water is consumed without solute, decreasing plasma osmolarity.
- Dehydration occurs when water is lost and solute is not lost, increasing plasma osmolarity.
Edema
- Edema is the excess accumulation of fluid in interstitial tissue spaces, caused by disruption of filtration and osmotic forces.
Fluid Regulation Mechanisms
- Thirst center in the hypothalamus stimulates or inhibits the desire to drink.
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) regulates blood pressure, blood volume, and tissue water content.
- Renin-angiotensin system (RAA) controls fluid volume by regulating blood flow to the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus.
- Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) corrects overload imbalances by releasing ANP from the right atrium.
Electrolytes
- Electrolytes are substances that disassociate into ions when dissolved in water, representing 7% of total body weight.
- Functions of electrolytes include:
- Maintaining acid-base balance
- Regulating normal osmolality and volume of body fluid
- Regulating nerve and muscle function
- Helping to rebuild damaged tissue
- Electrolytes are divided into intracellular and extracellular compartments, with potassium and phosphate being the dominant cation and anion in the ICF, and sodium and chloride being the dominant cation and anion in the ECF.
Electrolyte Imbalance
- Occurs when there is too much or not enough of certain minerals in the body.
- Causes include kidney damage, severe vomiting, diarrhea, genetic conditions, and lifestyle factors.
- Types of electrolyte disorders include hyper (too high) and hypo (too low) electrolyte levels.
Test your knowledge on dehydration, treatment methods, and fluid regulation mechanisms including the role of the thirst center and antidiuretic hormone. Explore the reasons behind plasma osmolarity increase and how supplemental fluids and electrolytes are administered for treatment.
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