Body fluids
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Body fluids
Body fluids or bodily fluids are liquids originating from inside the bodies of living humans. They include fluids that are excreted or secreted from the body as well as body water that normally is not.
Pronunciation
/ˈbɒdi fluːɪdz/
Etymology
The term "body fluids" is derived from the Old English "bodig" meaning "trunk" or "torso" and the Latin "fluidus" meaning "flowing".
Types of body fluids
Body fluids can be classified into two main types: intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid.
- Intracellular fluid (ICF) is the fluid enclosed by the cell membrane, making up about 60% of the total body fluid.
- Extracellular fluid (ECF) is all body fluid outside of cells, including interstitial fluid, plasma, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, and fluids in the gastrointestinal tract.
Functions of body fluids
Body fluids serve various functions in the body, including but not limited to:
- Providing a medium for cells to obtain nutrients and remove waste
- Regulating body temperature
- Lubricating body tissues
- Protecting body organs and tissues
- Transporting hormones and other substances to and from cells
Related terms
- Dehydration: A condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.
- Hydration: The process of causing something to absorb water.
- Electrolyte: Minerals in your body that have an electric charge, found in body fluids.
- Homeostasis: The ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes.
See also
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