Human fluid metabolism

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At the most basic, the physiology of human fluid metabolism splits into the extracellular fluid compartment and the intracellular fluid compartment. Even with that separation, there is a constant exchange of water, ions, and non-ionized substances between the compartments and subcompartments. [1]

Basic compartments



At this point in the diagram, we only distinguish between plasma and interstitial fluid, not urine, lymph, sweat, and other fluids. It is practical to devide by compartments.[2]

Substance Extracellular volume Intracellular volume
Sodium 135-145 mEq/L 10-20 mEq/L
Potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L 130-140 mEq/L
Chloride 95-105 mEq/L
Bicarbonate 22-26 mEq/L
Glucose 90-120 mg/dL
Calcium 8.5-10 mg/dL
Magnesium 1.4-2.1 mg/dL 20-30 mEqL
Urea nitrogen 10-20 mg/dL 10-20 mg/dL


References

  1. Arthur C. Guyton and John E. Hall, ed. (2000), Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, vol. Tenth Edition, W. B. Saunders, ISBN 072168677Xpp. 2-4
  2. Richard A. Preston (2002), Acid-Base, Fluids and Electrolytes Made Ridiculously Simple, McMaster, ISBN 0940780313, p. 5