Water: Functions, Physiology, and Fluid Balance

A comprehensive vocabulary flashcard set covering the bodily distribution, physiological functions, temperature regulation, and hydration imbalances of water.

Earth's Water Distribution

The breakdown of Earth's surface composition, consisting of $70\%$ undrinkable water, $1\%$ drinkable water, and $29\%$ land.

Pure Water pH

The measurement of pure water on the pH scale, which is exactly $7\,\text{pH}$.

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid located inside the body's cells, accounting for $65\%$ (or $\frac{2}{3}$) of total body water.

Extracellular Fluid

Fluid located outside of cells, accounting for $35\%$ of the body's water.

Brain and Lungs Water Weight

Tissues of the human body that consist of $90\%$ water by weight.

Blood, Muscle, Skin, and Organs Water Weight

Body components and tissues that are composed of $80\%$ water by weight.

Fat Deposits Water Weight

Adipose tissue in the human body, composed of $25\%$ water weight.

Bones Water Weight

Skeletal tissue in the body, composed of $22\%$ water weight.

Cellular Fluid 'Pump'

The combination of sodium, chloride, and potassium that regulates and drives the movement of water across cell membranes.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Also known as vasopressin, a hormone that controls the movement of water through cell membranes to maintain homeostasis.

Total Body Water Loss

Daily elimination pathways of water where $\frac{2}{3}$ leaves as urine, $\frac{1}{3}$ evaporates through lungs and skin, and $2.5\,\text{cups}$ are lost through normal perspiration and sweat.

Blood (Transport System)

A fluid composed of $92\%$ water that acts as a highway delivering oxygen, $\text{CO}_2$, hormones, and nutrients to cells.

Lymph Fluid

A fluid composed of $95\%$ water that travels through the body to deliver protein and white blood cells to cells.

Hypohydration

A state where more water is lost through sweat than replaced, causing body temperature to increase and leading to hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia

An elevated body temperature resulting from the body entering a state of hypohydration.

Euhydration

The state achieved when bringing the body back to normal water levels through necessary hydration.

Synovial Fluid

A water-based protective fluid that lubricates joints throughout the body.

Vitreous Fluid

A protective, fluid-filled component that safeguards delicate structures within the eyes.

Recommended Daily Water Intake

A baseline intake requiring at least one quart each day, increasing to eight $8\,\text{oz}$ glasses if an individual is physically active.

Hyponatremia

A toxic water overdose (water intoxication) that can occur during kidney malfunction, where excess water dilutes sodium in the blood and causes cellular swelling.

Edema

Water retention occurring when plasma water leaves the circulatory system and flows into extracellular spaces between cells, commonly causing swollen fingers or ankles.

Elderly Dehydration Vulnerability

A heightened health danger in older adults resulting from a diminished sense of thirst, putting them at elevated risk for stroke.

Infant and Child Dehydration Vulnerability

An increased risk of rapid fluid deficit caused by a smaller body size that contains more water per pound than adults.

Dehydration Symptoms

Signs of fluid deficiency beginning with thirst, followed by dark-yellow urine, difficulty concentrating, cognitive deterioration, and a slight headache.