Answer to Question #182125 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for AlexAlale

Question

Describe briefly the following what happens to someone when he takes in lot of distilled water

I) Osmolarity of the ECF before water shift

ii) Osmolarity of the ICF after water shift

iii)Volume of ECF before water shift

iv) Volume of ICF after water shift

v)Blood pressure

Answer 1

Answers:

i) Osmolarity of ECF before water shift is high since Na⁺ electrolytes have collected in the ECF leading to hyper-osmotic disturbance; thereby drawing water from ICF through Osmosis to balance or reduce the concentration, hyposmotic disturbance (low concentration of electrolytes) will be experienced in the ICF. This result in dehydration or thirst.

ii) Osmolarity of ICF after water shift increases as a result of dilution of ECF by intake of distilled water, water reaches the outer compartment (ECF) first, therefore drawing Na⁺ back to the inner compartment (ICF). As a result, the ICF experiences hyper-osmotic disturbance (high electrolyte concentration) leading to water traversing into the inner inner compartment.

iii) The volume of ECF before water shift is high as a result of water moving from ICF (Hypotonic environment) to the the hypertonic environment in the ECF causing swelling.

iv) The volume of ICF increases after water shift since the diffusion of water across into the inner compartment with hyper-tonic condition causing the swelling of the interstitial tissue.

v) Drinking distilled water, exclusively, increases one's blood pressure sinces it robs or deprives one of valuable electrolytes such as those of sodium (Na⁺) and Bicarbonates (HCO₃^-), K⁺, and Mg²⁺ which are responsible for maintaining balanced bodily fluid distribution, blood being among them (fluids). As a result of this electrolyte imbalance, there will be an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and constriction of blood vessel leading to high blood pressure (BP).