ILOs:
- Describe the different fluid compartments of the body.
- Outline the processes that contribute to water balance.
- Outline the processes that contribute to sodium balance.
- Describe the renal handling of water and sodium.
Manuel is about to go on a tropical holiday and wants to look his best on the beach. On a bodybuilding forum, he reads about a form of dehydration that promises to make his muscles look great. All he would have to do is increase his water consumption to ten liters a day for three weeks, then drink no water while he is on holiday. What would happen to all the excess fluid he drinks? How would his kidneys respond to the sudden decrease in fluid? Is it safe to do?
- How does fluid move between the fluid compartments of the body?
- How are water and sodium balance maintained?
- How do the kidneys handle water and sodium?
Fluid compartments
- How is fluid distributed within our bodies?
- How is water compartmentalized within men and women? Label the diagram below.
- What does this tell us?
- What will the total body water be in a lean woman weighing 55 kg (121 lb)?
Electrolytes
- How does each fluid compartment vary?
- What relationship do you notice between sodium and potassium levels?
Fluid Movement