Regulation of fluids Flashcards
What is the % of water neonates have compared to adults?
75-80% water with proportionately more extracellular fluid (ECF) than adults
How much larger is interstitial fluid proportion at birth as compared to an adult?
three times larger
What is the % of decrease in TBW (total body water) at 60 years of age in males?
50%
What is the reason for the decrease in TBW in males at 60yo mostly due to?
increase in adipose tissue
How many litres of fluids are in intracellular (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF)?
intra = 23 L extra = 19 L
Describe fluid balance in the ICF:
- cytosol of cells
- makes up two-thirds of total body water
Describe fluid balance in the ECF:
- major components includes interstitial fluid and plasma
- minor components include all other extracellular fluids
ICF and ECF are separated by?
cell membranes
What are the levels of ions in intracellular fluids?
potassium/magnesium = high sodium/chloride = low
Is there a single united compartment of intracellular fluid?
no. this concept is artificial
Is the ECF divided into several smaller compartments?
Yes
How are the compartments in ECF distinguished?
by different locations and kinetic characteristics
What are the levels of ions in extracellular fluids?
potassium/magnesium = low sodium/chloride = high
What does the interstitial fluid contain (ISF)?
all fluids which lie in the interstices of all body tissues
What are the ‘functions/purposes’ of the ISF?
- bathes all cells in body
- link between ICF and intravascular compartment
- oxygen, nutrients, wastes, chemical messengers all pass through
- has compositional characteristics of ECF
How is the ISF distinguished?
by its usually low protein concentration
Is the lymph considered part of ISF?
Yes
What is the relation of the lymphatic system with ISF?
- lymphatic system returns protein and excess ISF to circulation
- lymph more easily obtained for analysis than other ISF parts
What can we say about the plasma compartment?
the only major fluid compartment that exists as real fluid collection all in one location
What is the difference of plasma and ISF?
plasma much higher protein content and its high bulk flow (transport function)
What are the normal blood levels of sodium?
135-145 mEq/L
What are the normal blood levels of potassium?
3.5-5.5 mmoles/L
What are the normal blood levels of chloride?
96-106 mEq/L
What makes water move?
osmosis
Explain how the osmotic pressure works, making water move:
- it’s the hydrostatic (hydraulic) pressure that opposes movement of water through semi-permeable membrane
- in response to osmotic gradient
What is serum osmolality measured by?
- use of an osmometer
OR - calculated as sum of concentration of solutes present in solution