Chapter 25, Problem 1CYU

Which do you have more of, extracellular or intracellular fluid? Plasma or interstitial fluid?

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether extracellular or intracellular fluid and plasma or interstitial fluid is present in more amounts in our body.

Introduction:

Total water content is dependent upon several factors, such as age, body mass, sex, andrelative amount of body fat. Fluids make up 60% of the body weight as the total volume is 40 liters. There are two main fluid compartments that are occupied by water in our body.

Explanation of Solution

Intracellular fluid (ICF) is the fluid present inside trillions of cells and account for about 25 liters of body water. Therefore, it forms about 40% of the total body weight. On the other hand, extracellular fluid (ECF) is present outside the cells and forms the internal environment of the body. It accounts for about 20% of the body weight, as its volume is about 15 liters.

ECF is divided into two subcompartments, which are plasma fluid and interstitial fluid. Plasma is the fluid portion of the blood which contains several proteins, dissolved gases, and nutrients. It accounts for 3 liters of volume and forms 20% of ECF. On the other hand, interstitial fluid is present between the minute spaces between cells, and consist of lymph, synovial fluid, and gastrointestinal secretions. It accounts for 12 liters of volume and forms80% of ECF.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that intracellular fluid (25 liters) and interstitial fluid (12 liters) are present in more amounts in our body, as compared to all other fluids.