Fluid in Body

Fluid in Body

1. Function

   • Prevents sudden temperature changes
   • Cushions body organs e.g. CSF and CNS
   • Solvent = allowing electrolytes to ionise
   • Reagent in many chemical reactions
   • Act as a transport medium e.g. blood
   • Lubricant e.g. mucus

2. Physiology

3. Fluid Compartments

   • Male
     • 40% solid
     • 60% fluids
       • 2/3 = Intracellular fluid
       • 1/3 = Extracellular fluid
         • 80% Interstitial fluid
         • 20% Plasma
   • Female
     • 45% solid
     • 55% fluids
       • 2/3 = Intracellular fluid
       • 1/3 = Extracellular fluid
         • 80% Interstitial fluid
         • 20% Plasma

4. Relation to Lymph flow (Factors that increase rate)

   • Rate of lymph formation
   • Contraction of skeletal muscles = compress lymph in vessels = pushing it
   • Valves that prevent backflow
   • Rythmic contraction of lymph vessels
   • Venturi effect = blood flow , drawing lymph into blood vessel where 2 meet
   • Respiratory pump --> inhalation, pressure in thoracic cavity is lower that the one in abdominal. Effect of drawing air into lungs and pulling lymph upwards inside lymph vessels
   • Gravity