Water Metabolism Explained: Hormonal and Osmotic Regulation of Body Fluids

Water Metabolism Explained: Hormonal and Osmotic Regulation of Body Fluids

Regulation of water metabolism.
Answer.

“Importance of studying water metabolism for better health outcomes: Questions explained”

Water is the commonest liquid with the most uncommon properties. The water content of the body changes with age. It is almost 75% in newborns and decreases to less than 50% in older individuals. Water content is maximum in brain tissue and least in adipose tissue.

Regulation of Water Metabolism

“Common challenges in understanding water balance effectively: FAQs provided”

• Antidiuretic hormone or Vasopressin, which has the property to enhance water reabsorption
• The hypothalamus is known as a thirst centre. Besides this, the osmosis of plasma also stimulates the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei
• Adrenal Cortex. Aldosterone controls the excretion of sodium and potassium by the kidneys

“Understanding water metabolism through FAQs: Q&A explained”

• Rennin-Angiotensin system. Angiotensin II stimulates the synthesis and secretion of aldosterone and the release of vasopressin, and thereby increases renal absorption of Na+ and H2O.
• Prostaglandins. They may also increase urinary loss of water by inhibiting the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin and by increasing the urinary sodium.
• Solutes. Osmotic effect of Na+ helps to retain water in extracellular fluids. Elevation in plasma Na+ raises the ECF volume in primary aldosteronism while an increase in urinary Na+ raises the urinary water output in Addison’s disease. K+ helps to retain water in the cells, whereas, plasma proteins do help to retain water in the body by their osmotic effects. An increase in urinary urea or the excretion of glucose in urine increases osmotically the urinary loss of water (osmotic diuresis).