Body water
Body Water
Body water (pronunciation: /ˈbɒdi wɔːtər/) is the water content in the human body that is involved in various vital functions.
Etymology
The term "body water" is derived from the English words "body" and "water". "Body" comes from the Old English bodig, meaning "a person's body" and "water" comes from the Old English wæter, meaning "water".
Definition
Body water is the total amount of fluid in a human body. The human body needs water to function properly. The body is composed of up to 60% water, the exact percentage varying based on factors such as age, sex, and overall health.
Distribution
Body water is distributed in two main compartments: Intracellular fluid (ICF) and Extracellular fluid (ECF). ICF is the water located within cells, making up about 60% of the total body water. ECF is the water located outside the cells, making up the remaining 40%.
Function
Body water serves multiple functions:
- It acts as a solvent for electrolytes and non-electrolytes.
- It is involved in the transport of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
- It plays a crucial role in thermoregulation, acting as a heat distributor in the body.
- It is a necessary component of bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and digestive juices.
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.
- Water Intoxication: A potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside safe limits by excessive water intake.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Body water
- Wikipedia's article - Body water
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