fluid and elctrolyte

• What constitutes the body’s fluids?

  • Water
  • Electrolytes (minerals)
• What percentage of an adult's body weight is made up of water?

  $60\%$
• Why is the proportion of water in females generally smaller than in males?

  Females have a smaller proportion of lean muscle which contains less water than fat.
• What are the three main components of extracellular fluid?

  1. Interstitial fluids
  2. Intravascular fluids
  3. Extracellular fluid
• What is the main role of fluids in the body?

  To carry nutrients and waste products throughout the body.
• In what metabolic processes are fluids involved?

  • Maintaining the structure of large molecules (e.g., proteins & glycogen)
  • Involved in metabolic reactions
  • Carrier or solvent for molecules (e.g., minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose)
  • Lubricant or cushion around joints and inside eyes, the spinal cord (amniotic fluid in pregnancy)
  • Helps regulate normal body temperature (sweat)
  • Maintains blood volume
• What symptoms might be observed with a body water loss of 1-2%?

  • Thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Vague discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
• What symptoms might indicate a body water loss of 3-4%?

  • Impaired physical performance
  • Dry mouth
  • Reduction in urine
  • Flushed skin
  • Impatience
  • Apathy
• What are the symptoms associated with a body water loss of 5-6%?

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Sleepiness
  • Impaired temperature regulation
  • Increased respiratory rate
• What serious symptoms can occur with a body water loss of 7-10%?

  • Dizziness
  • Spastic muscles
  • Loss of balance
  • Delirium
  • Exhaustion
  • Collapse
• What factors can affect the severity of body water loss symptoms?

  • Activity
  • Fitness level
  • Degree of acclimation
  • Temperature and humidity
• What percentage of an adult’s daily water intake comes from foods?

  $20-30\%$
• What are the sources of water intake in fluid balance?

  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Metabolism
• What are the main avenues of water loss in fluid balance?

  • Kidney (urine)
  • Skin (sweat)
  • Lungs (breath)
  • GI tract (Faeces)
• Which hormones are involved in the regulation of fluid balance?

  • Anti-diuretic hormone
  • Renin-angiotensin
  • Aldosterone
• What are the main functions of the kidneys in fluid balance?

  Regulating blood volume and blood pressure.
• What are the four main mechanisms of fluid movement in the body?

  Diffusion, Osmosis, Filtration, Active Transport.
• How does osmosis contribute to fluid distribution in the body?

  Osmosis helps equalize solute concentrations inside and outside cells by moving water across semi-permeable membranes.
• What are the main cations and anions in extracellular and intracellular fluids?

  Cations: Sodium (ECF), Potassium (ICF), Calcium, Magnesium

  Anions: Chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, sulphate, organic acids (lactate, pyruvate), proteins
• How do electrolytes help maintain the pH balance in the blood?

  • Balancing positively and negatively charged electrolytes and minerals
  • Regulating the concentrations of cations and anions in extracellular and intracellular water
  • Helping maintain the normal blood pH range (7.35 – 7.45)
• What are some common causes of fluid imbalance?

  • Sickness (vomiting, diarrhoea)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Heavy sweating
  • Burns
  • Trauma wounds
  • High levels of physical activity
• What is the primary component of our bodies' composition?

  Fluid (water).
• Which organ and regulatory system predominantly control fluid balance?

  The kidneys and hormonal control.
• How do electrolytes facilitate fluid transfer in the body?

  By creating gradients that water follows to move fluids between cells.
• What can fluid imbalances lead to in severe cases?

  They can result in death in severe instances.