fluid compartments and transport process - lecture 03

biol2p97

total body water

• approximately 60% of body weight

• total body water can be separated into different compartments

extracellular fluid (ECF)

• plasma (blood volume)

• interstitial (area between cells)

ICF total body water

2/3

ECF total body water

1/3

interstitial plasma (ECF)

1/4

fluid (ECF)

3/4

uneven distribution of solutes - chemical disequilibrium

• hallmark of a living organism

• continuous input of energy keeps the body in this state

• when solutes leak from one compartment to another, energy is required to return them

uneven distribution of solutes - ionic imbalance

changes lead to electrical signals (especially for nerves) to carry information to and from the brain

transport processes

• movement of material between body compartments

• a variety of mechanisms are used

  • some require energy (ATP)

  • some require con