Water in the body

Water occupies 68 per cent of the body. Water is there in and around the cells. The water in the cells is called intra cellular fluid. Extra cellular fluid exists in different parts of the body in various forms.
1. Plasma.
2. Interstitial fluid, which is in between the cells.
3. Cerebrospinal fluid-- fluid in brain and spine.
4. Serous fluid, which is in the outer layers of lungs and peritoneal fluid in the
stomach and peritoneum covering the intestines.
5. Synovial fluid-- the fluid in the gaps between joints.
6. Digestive juices.
7. Urine.

Extra, Intra Cellular Fluid

Now let us also talk about fluid inside the cells. The whole body is the sum total of several cells. The water content in the cells of different parts of the body varies. The water content in the muscles, muscles of heart, brain and lungs is roughly 70 to 80 per cent of the weight of the organs. Liver and skin contain 70 per cent of water and bones 20 per cent. If the body weight of a person is 70 kilograms he carries 43 liters of water. Of this, extra cellular fluid is 11 liters and intra cellular fluid 32 liters. Likewise, a woman whose body weight is 57 kilos has 29 liters of water. Out of this, extra cellular fluid is 8.5 liters and intra cellular fluid 20.5 liters.
Now, let us see how the fluids in and around the cells are regulated.

Regulation of intra and extra cellular fluid

Sodium and potassium balance water level in the extra cellular and intra cellular fluids. It is because of these salts the cells get the energy to pump in and pump out water from the cells.
Intra cellular fluid contains less sodium and more of potassium.
Sodium=20 mg/ liter
Potassium=110 mg./liter
As against this, extra cellular fluid contains more sodium and less potassium.
Sodium= 143mg./liter
Potassium=5mg./liter
The thin membrane around the cell will be instrumental in sending water, sodium and potassium in and out of the cells. Through this membrane inflow and outflow is regulated.

Relation between salt and water

When sodium content in the blood is more, osmotic pressure of blood increases and intestinal fluids enter the blood. At the same time excess salt in blood joins the intra cellular fluid. When salt comes in, the water in the cells is dragged out of the cells. When cells lose water chemical reactions in the cells is hampered. Cells lose the capacity to purge out waste material. We observe swelling of joints and face in those who consume more salt. The reason is the intra cellular fluid in the blood comes out.This manifests as edema. When there is excess salt in the blood kidneys try to purge it out with frequent urination.
Water flow from blood to cells and vice versa is a continuous process. The water we consume is absorbed into blood through intestines. Osmotic pressure is responsible for inflow of water from extra cellular fluid to intra cellular fluid and vice versa.

Let us know about osmotic pressure.

Osmotic pressure

The pressure which helps flow of low-density liquid into high-density liquid when a thin membrane separates them is called Osmotic Pressure. If blood is a liquid, the matter in between the cells is also liquid. The walls of micro veins separate these two liquids.

I will come up with "changes that takes place after intake of water" in my next post.....