1. Write a detailed account on water and electrolyte balance in the human body.

Electrolytes support the body to maintain normal fluid levels in the cells for a reason that the amount of
fluid a cell has relies on the amount of concentration of the electrolytes in it. Whenever the electrolyte
concentration is higher than the normal amount, the fluid moves into that cell through a process called
osmosis. Likewise, whenever the electrolyte concentration is low, the fluid would move out of a cell. In
adjusting fluid levels, the body can actively move electrolytes in or out of cells. Therefore, maintaining a
normal electrolyte balance is significant in maintaining fluid balance among the compartments.

2. Explain the regulation of electrolyte balance in the human body.

The kidneys balance the daily consumption and excretion of electrolytes and water. The kidneys play
vital role in maintaining electrolyte concentrations by filtering electrolytes and water from our blood,
bringing some of it back to our blood, and excreting any unnecessary excess into our urine.

3. What are the different clinical abnormalities associated with electrolyte imbalance?

ELECTROLYTE MINERALS ELEVATED LEVEL DEPLETED LEVEL

calcium hypercalcemia hypocalcemia
magnesium hypermagnesemia hypomagnesemia
potassium hyperkalemia hypokalemia
sodium hypernatremia hyponatremia
chloride hyperchloremia hypochloremia
phosphate hyperphosphatemia hypophosphatemia

4. What is dehydration?

Dehydration is normally caused by a deficient admission of fluids to replace those that have been gone.
Other possible reasons include the climate, physical activity and diet. Dehydration is likewise brought by
illnesses that may lead to fluid loss such as constant diarrhea and vomiting.

5. What is plasma osmolality?

Plasma osmolality assess the body's electrolyte–water balance. Moreover, the plasma osmolality and
oncotic pressures in a person can regulate the route of fluid activity within the system.

6. What is normal blood pH? Describe various mechanisms for maintenance of blood pH.

Blood is typically slightly basic, with a normal pH range of 7.35 to 7.45. There are several mechanisms
that the body uses to control blood pH. It involves the release of carbon dioxide from the lungs. The
brain controls the quantity of carbon dioxide that needs to be exhaled by controlling the speed and
depth of ventilation. Thus, the brain and lungs are able to maintain and control the blood pH every
minute. The kidneys are also a factor that affects blood pH by excreting excess acids or bases. Another
mechanism for regulating blood pH involves the use of chemical buffer systems, which monitors against
sudden shifts in acidity and alkalinity.
 7. Describe in detail the role of kidneys in acid-base regulation.

The kidneys sustain homeostasis through the excretion of waste products. The kidneys have two vital
roles in regulating the acid–base balance for a reason that they reabsorb bicarbonate from urine and
they excrete hydrogen ions into urine. However, the kidneys are slower to compensate than the lungs.

8. Describe the role of blood buffers in acid-base balance.

The pH buffer systems work chemically to minimize deviations in the pH of a solution by adjusting the
proportion of acid and base. When any acidic substance enters the bloodstream, the bicarbonate ions
neutralize the hydronium ions forming carbonic acid and water. Carbonic acid is a component of the
buffering system of blood.

9. Classify acid-base disorders and explain them along with compensatory mechanisms.

ACIDOSIS Metabolic acidosis Respiratory compensation

(due to depletion in
bicarbonate)
Respiratory acidosis Renal compensation
(due to elevation in carbonic
acid)
ALKALOSIS Metabolic alkalosis Respiratory compensation
(due to elevation in
bicarbonate)
Respiratory alkalosis Renal compensation
(due to depletion in carbonic
acid)

10. Describe the water distribution in the human body.

Water mass of adults are 50% - 60%. The total body mass of a female is 45% solids and 55% fluids. On
the other hand, male has a total body mass of 40% solids and 60% fluids. Two third of the body water is
intracellular. The one third of the body is extracellular fluid which consists of plasma and interstitial
fluids.