Functions of body fluids

Body fluids, also known as biofluids, are liquids obtained from living organisms. It helps to balance body temperature and regulate blood circulation in the body. The most proportion of body fluids consists of water. The aqueous base solution occurs to produce life through biochemical processes. Although, a human body contains 75% of water inside its cells. Likewise, the functions of body fluids act as a regulatory mechanism to balance the amount of water blood in all parts of the body and increase their shelf life. 

The water-based liquid, i.e., body fluid, contains cells and ions, crucial for body functions and transfer the products and solutes of metabolism. Follow the write-up to study types of body fluids and their functions in detail. 

Significant components of Body fluids

There are three components of body fluids present in living organisms, i.e., extracellular body fluids and intracellular body fluids. 

• Extracellular body fluids: Extracellular body fluids are located outside the cells. It consists of blood plasma, Lymph, transcellular fluid, and interstitial body fluid. Often blood plasma and interstitial body fluids are the primary components of extracellular fluid. 

The components expel the waste products and share nutrients across the body parts. Often high concentrations of potassium and low sodium are present in the extracellular cells. The body fluids cover up the cells to regulate a specific environment for cellular operations. 

• Intracellular body fluids: Intracellular body fluid is another essential component of fluid obtained from cells. It comprises molecules, and water dissolves ions inside them. The human body pertains to 67% of intracellular body fluid and 26% of extracellular body fluid inside them.

The cytosols are part of cells composed of water, dissolved ions, macromolecules, and other metabolites. Unlike the extracellular fluid, intracellular fluids have less potassium and more sodium concentrations in their cells. 

• Transcellular body fluids: A transcellular body fluid pervades the chamber space obtained from the linings of epithelial cells. The components of transcellular cells, such as electrolytes, change based on their location, resulting in varying functions. 

Types of Body fluids 

There are seven types of body fluids. They are mainly responsible for transferring nutrients and expelling waste materials from human cells. 

• Blood: Blood is the primary type of body fluid. It protects the body from countering any infection. The blood carries and flushes waste particles in urine, sweat, and faeces outside the body. Moreover, it supplies vital substances like hormones, oxygen, and sugar to the body required to survive and function. It includes plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Lymph: Lymph is a faded type of body fluid register in interstitial tissues. It is eventually referred to as blood short of RBCs. Lymph transmits throughout the lymphatic system and exchanges the nutrients, gases, and hormones within the fluid. Consequently, it includes lymphocytes that help the immune responses function in the body. 
• Saliva: Saliva is also a body fluid mainly composed of water. Eventually, the minerals and proteins present in saliva fluid protect you from tooth decay and gum diseases. Also, it allows you to chew and swallow adequately. 
• Semen: Semen containing sperm, proteins, fructose, and catecholamines are substances released from a man’s penis at ejaculation. 
• Vaginal fluids: Vaginal type of fluids expels from the vagina. It contains amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and other acids obtained by lactobacillus bacteria. 
• Urine: Urine consists of 95% water, which expels dead blood cells and chemicals present inside the body. This process also discharges an unnecessary amount of water; a body does not need it. 
• Mucus: Mucus is a preventive type of body fluid that excretes from various body parts. The antibodies, proteins, and enzymes present in the substance protect your throat, sinuses, lungs, mouth, and nose from getting dry. 

Functions of body fluids 

Some of the essential functions of body fluids include- 

• Removal of waste through urination that resides in various body parts is the primary function of body fluids.
• Body fluids help transfer oxygen and nutrients across all body parts and organs. 
• Helps in regulating body temperature with the help of body water and by evaporating sweat from the skin’s surface to remove heat. 
• Body fluids help balance an efficient amount of metabolism by regulating adequate blood volume levels. 
• It is also helpful in maintaining homeostasis to understand human physiology. 

What are the four main electrolytes in the body?

Electrolytes are minerals present in the blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids carrying an electric charge. They play a vital role in balancing the amount of water in the body, body acid-base, expels waste, and nutrients from cells. Also, it ensures the proper functioning of your brain, heart, muscles, and nerves simultaneously. There are four main electrolytes in the body, i.e., sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. 

• Sodium – Sodium is an essential electrolyte that supports the function of your nerves and muscles and regulates the body’s fluid’s balance. 
• Potassium- Potassium is generally obtained from food or supplements and maintains fluid levels inside cells.
• Chloride- Chloride works with potassium and sodium and helps balance the acid levels and bases in the body.
• Calcium- Calcium is found in teeth, and the body assists the muscles to move and nerves to share messages between the brain and other body parts. 

Conclusion 

Body fluids are gels present found in living organisms. It is composed of extracellular, intracellular, and transcellular fluids. They plan a specific environment and chamber space for cellular operations. Blood and plasma are significant body fluids that protect the body from infections and exchange nutrients simultaneously. Although, the primary function of body fluids is to regulate blood circulation and expel toxic waste present inside body cells. 

Moreover, the electrolytes found in body cells extend their support for the movement and function of various body parts and balance the fluid level in the process. Henceforth, body fluid acts as a significant liquid substance for the living organism’s survival.