Fluid Compartments
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
The body can be divided into two major fluid compartments, the intracellular and extracellular. The extracellular compartment is further subdivided into the interstitial, or fluid spaces between cells, and the intravascular, or blood vessel, compartments. A third fluid compartment contains the transcellular fluids of the body. Fluids are constantly shifting among the body’s compartments to maintain a state of homeostasis. In this chapter we explain the percentage of body fluid in these three body compartments and which electrolytes are most abundant in each area.
 Figure 4-1 Fluid compartments. |
In the healthy individual the fluid compartments maintain a constant homeostatic environment. The intake of fluids throughout the day should equal the amount that is lost. To stay within a narrow physiological range the body exchanges solutes and water between compartments, compensating for conditions that increase or decrease losses.
The body can be divided into two major fluid compartments, the intracellular and the extracellular. The extracellular compartment is further subdivided into fluid that lies in spaces between cells and fluid within the blood vessel compartments. A third fluid compartment contains the transcellular fluids of the body.The body can be divided into two major fluid compartments, the intracellular, which is fluid inside the cell, and the extracellular, which is fluid outside the cell. The cell membrane serves as the initial barrier for substances to move to or from the intracellular compartment.
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