Bodily fluid
Bodily Fluid
Bodily fluid, also known as biofluid, is any liquid substance found within a living organism. It includes fluids that are excreted or secreted from the body.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbɒdɪli ˈfluːɪd/
Etymology
The term "bodily fluid" is derived from the Middle English word "bodily", meaning "of the body", and the Latin word "fluidus", meaning "flowing".
Types of Bodily Fluids
There are several types of bodily fluids, including:
- Blood: A body fluid in humans and other animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.
- Sweat: A clear, salty liquid produced by glands in your skin when the body is overheated.
- Saliva: The watery and usually frothy substance produced in the mouths of humans and most other animals.
- Urine: A typically sterile liquid by-product of the body secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra.
- Tears: A clear liquid secreted by the lacrimal glands (tear gland) found in the eyes of all land mammals (except for goats and rabbits).
- Semen: An organic fluid that may contain spermatozoa, produced by the male reproductive tract.
- Breast milk: The milk produced by the breasts (or mammary glands) of a postpartum female in order to feed a child.
Functions of Bodily Fluids
Bodily fluids have various functions, including but not limited to:
- Providing nutrients and oxygen to cells
- Removing waste products from cells
- Regulating body temperature
- Lubricating and protecting tissues
- Transporting hormones and other signaling molecules
Health and Bodily Fluids
Changes in the characteristics of bodily fluids can indicate various health conditions. For example, blood in the urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or kidney disease. Similarly, changes in the color or consistency of mucus can indicate an infection or other health problem.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bodily fluid
- Wikipedia's article - Bodily fluid
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