B3.3.5 - Responding to osmotic challenges

Question 1

On average, how much water do your body need every day?

Answer 1

2 Litres

Question 2

What is dehydration?

Answer 2

A condition when you have not taken enough water into your body

Question 3

How does the body respond to a lack of water?

Answer 3

If there is a reduction in water, then the thirst response is triggered. An impulse is sent to your brain informing you to take on more fluids. The kidney responds by producing less urine

Question 4

What are some symptoms of dehydration?

Answer 4

• a lack of energy
• headaches and dizziness
• passing of dark, concentrated urine

Question 5

How does the body respond to too much water?

Answer 5

If too much water is detected then the kidneys respond by increasing the volume of urine that is produced

Question 6

What happens if a large volume of water is consumed rapidly?

Answer 6

Water will move by osmosis into your cells which may cause them to burst. The concentration of sodium in the blood plasma also drops which can lead to muscle cramping, confusion and seizures

Question 7

In extreme circumstances if water moves into brain cells by osmosis what happens?

Answer 7

It can lead to death

Question 8

What are isotonic sports drinks?

Answer 8

Drinks that contain ion concentration equal to those in your blood plasma

Question 9

What are hypertonic sports drinks?

Answer 9

Drinks that contain high levels of glucose and salts

Question 10

What are hypotonic sports drinks?

Answer 10

Drinks that contain low levels of glucose and salts