Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Fluid Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Fluid Balance

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1:53 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Body water content is greatest in:
a. Infants
b. Young adults
c. Elderly adults

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that body water content varies with age, sex, and body composition. Infants, young adults, and elderly adults have different percentages of water in their bodies due to these factors.

Recall that infants have the highest percentage of body water, typically around 70-80%, because their bodies are composed of more water relative to their total body mass.

Recognize that young adults have a slightly lower percentage of body water, usually around 50-60%, as their body composition includes more muscle and fat compared to infants.

Note that elderly adults have the lowest percentage of body water, often around 45-50%, due to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat tissue, which contains less water.

Conclude that the group with the greatest body water content is infants, based on the physiological differences in body composition across these age groups.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Body Water Content

Body water content refers to the total amount of water present in the human body, which is crucial for various physiological functions. It varies significantly across different age groups, with infants having a higher percentage of body water compared to adults. This high water content is essential for growth, development, and metabolic processes in infants.

Age-Related Changes

As individuals age, their body composition changes, leading to a decrease in total body water. Young adults typically have a balanced body water percentage, while elderly adults experience a further decline due to factors like increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass. Understanding these age-related changes is vital for assessing hydration needs and health risks.

Hydration and Health

Hydration is critical for maintaining health, influencing everything from temperature regulation to nutrient transport. Infants, due to their higher body water content, are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues. Recognizing the differences in hydration needs across age groups helps in promoting better health outcomes and preventing dehydration-related complications.