8--WATER_&_MAJOR_MINERALS

solvent

A liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances. Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent"

solute

a substance that is dissolved in a solution. In the body it is often an electrolyte, carbohydrate, or protein.

electrolyte

an ionic compound whose aqueous solution has the ability to conduct an electric current. An example of an electrolyte is the ion sodium (Na+) when it is dissolved in water.

electrolyte balance

Condition when the body has the proper relative proportions of minerals and water to sustain health and well-being.

ion

a charged atom

cation

a positively charged ion (ex: sodium / Na+)

anion

a negatively charged ion (ex: chloride / Cl-)

extracellular fluid

body fluids located outside of cells (ex: blood and fluid between body cells)

intracellular fluid

the fluid contained within cells

mineral

a naturally occurring, inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition found on the periodic table of elements

hypokalemia

low blood potassium concentrations

hypoglycemia

low blood glucose concentrations

hyponatremia

low blood sodium concentrations

cofactor

a mineral or non-protein chemical compound (vitamin) required for an enzyme's activity as a catalyst. Thus, cofactors can be subcategorized as either inorganic ions (minerals) or coenzymes (vitamins)

bioavailability

the rate at and the extent to which a nutrient is absorbed and used

osmosis

passive movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane. Water will move via osmosis towards solutes.

metabolic water

water generated in the tissues during the chemical breakdown of the energy-yielding nutrients in foods

evaporative cooling

The process in which the surface of an object becomes cooler during evaporation, a result of the molecules with the greatest kinetic energy changing from the liquid to the gaseous state. It occurs following a person sweating/perspiring.

radiant heat loss

heat lost from a person to a room that is cooler than their body temperature (98.6F)

overhydration

above normal amounts of water in extracellular spaces diluting the electrolytes and causing health issues (possibly even death).

plasma

fluid portion of blood

insensible water loss

the loss of water not noticeable by a person, such as through evaporation from the eyes and exhalation from the lungs during breathing

hypernatremia

a condition in which blood sodium levels are dangerously high.

sensible water loss

water loss that is noticed by a person, such as through urine output and visible sweating

thirst mechanism

hypothalamus stimulating a conscious desire to drink fluids in response to an increase in blood salt concentration or a decrease in blood pressure and blood volume

Metabolic water (water of oxidation)

Water produced from cellular metabolism (about 10% of our body's water).

critical

very important

Thermoregulation

the maintenance of body temperature within a range that enables cells to function efficiently.

strenuous

requiring tremendous energy or stamina

dehydrated

the state in which a large amount of water has been lost or removed from the body (more water and possibly electrolytes needed to replenish the loss)

salt

An ionic compound made from the neutralization of an acid with a base (ex: Na + Cl = table salt)