13B – Distribution and constituents of fluids

P3: Distribution and constituents of body fluids –
M2: Explain functions of the constituents of body fluids -

Constituents of body fluid -

The human body consists mostly of water, and is a major constituent to the human body and vital organs; of this 90% include blood plasma, lymph, urine, saliva, digestive juices, bile, cerebrospinal fluid and tissue fluid. Water enables substances to be transported throughout the body, red blood cells for example, as wells as supplying the medium required for metabolic reaction to take place (respiration). Without water the progression of these fluids would not be possible. Water is constantly being transported between the fluid compartments of …show more content…

The sodium salts and chloride ions are continuously pumped back out of the cell each time they enter a cell, whereas potassium are pumped back into the cell as they leave a cell. The movement of salts enable the individual in assisting osmosis through the cell membrane.

Isotonic - Osmotic pressure outside the cell is equal to that inside of the cell. Water moving into and out of the cell is the same.
Hypotonic - Osmotic pressure is lower. Water moving into the cell is greater than that of which is moving out of the cell.
Hypertonic - Osmotic pressure is higher. Water moving out of the cell is greater than that of which is moving into the cell.

Role of electrolytes –

Electrolytes are compounds that dissociate into ions when they are dissolved in water, thereby causing them to become electrically charged particles, meaning that they have the ability to conduct electrical impulses. The electrical impulses created are what the body needs in order to make muscle cells contract. Electrolytes can become either cations (positively charged) or anions (negatively charged).

Essential minerals - Some electrolytes are considered essential minerals, meaning that they are unable to be made within the body and are an essential part of health.

• The major constituent for a cell is potassium
• The components of amino acids and