Important function of body fluid

Functions of the Body Fluids

 The important functions of body fluids include:

• Body fluids provide moisture and nourishment to the different body tissues: Body fluid contains  large quantity of water and nutrient substances to moisten and nourish the visceral organs and the body.
• Body fluids regulate body temperature: When water vaporizes off the skin, it takes large quantities of heat with it. This process cools the body temperature down. Because water has a high heat capacity, it can absorb and release large quantities of heat.
•  Body fluids help in cushioning and lubricating: Water acts as a protective cushion in amniotic fluid and cerebrospinal fluid. Water acts as a lubricant in the serous fluids, joints, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Body fluids act as a transport: Because of water's ability to dissolve ions and molecules within the body fluids, body fluids function as a medium for the delivery of nutrients and of wastes from the cells through the plasma.
• Body fluid stimulates the metabolic and chemical activities: Body fluids aid in these activities by transporting the hormones, proteins, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes to the cells.
• Excretion of waste products: Body fluids help in the excretion of body wastes in the form of urine, stool, expired air and the sweat.
• Body fluids help to protect from diseases: Lymphatic fluid and mucus both play a role protecting the body from disease. In the interstitial space, lymphatic fluids take microbes and pathogens away with it. The viscous mucus also aids in the body's defense by trapping foreign particles that try to enter the body through the respiratory system.

Electrolytes

The electrolytes are Chemical compounds that dissociate into ions in water. They are charged particles found in body fluids that help transmit electrical impulses for functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. They thus are called electrolytes. Acids, bases and salts are electrolytes. Most electrolytes are dissolved in the body fluids. However, some are found attached to proteins and other places.

Electrolytes dissociate either positive or negative ions when dissolved into the solution. The electrolytes which give positive electrical charges are called the cations and the electrolytes which develop negative electrical charges are called the anions. Among cations, the most physiological important electrolytes are the sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg++) a hydrogen (H+). Bicarbonate (HCO3), chloride (CI), carbonic acid (HCO3), phosphate (HP04) and sulphate(SO42--) are the major anions.

Functions of the Electrolytes

• Electrolytes aid in the transmission of messages between nerve cells and are essential for metabolism and body structure.
• Blood clotting is aided by electrolytes.
• They make it easier for water to move between body parts.
• They ensure that body fluids have the right pH.
• They help to keep the hydrogen ion concentration stable along with the soluble protein.
• For the creation and preservation of membrane potentials, sodium, potassium, chlorides, and magnesium are essential.

Regulation of Electrolytes (Electrolyte Balance)

While chloride and bicarbonate are anions, or negatively charged ions, sodium, potassium, and calcium are cations, or positively charged ions. Ions may alter the pH of the body's fluids because they have a positive or negative charge. Balanced electrolyte levels are essential for survival since the body can only withstand extremely little changes in the pH of its fluids and still operate normally. The three ions that are most abundant in the body are sodium, potassium, and chloride. In order to keep the body functioning and the fluid compartments' regular water distribution, these three electrolytes are particularly crucial.

Since sodium ions are the most common extracellular cation, they significantly increase osmotic pressure. Small quantities are produced during metabolic activity and are ingested in the form of meals and liquids. The main organ via which sodium ions are eliminated is the kidney. In intracellular fluids compared to external fluids, potassium content is much greater. The kidneys also eliminate it. Chloride ions are the main anions in extracellular fluid. They follow sodium ions passively as they traverse a membrane and are eliminated by the kidneys.