EXTRACELLULAR FLUID Meaning and
Definition
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Extracellular fluid (ECF) is a term used in biology and physiology to describe the fluid that surrounds cells in multicellular organisms, including humans. It refers to the liquid component found outside of the cells within tissues and organs, occupying the spaces between cells. It consists of a complex mixture of water, ions, proteins, and other molecules that play essential roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and supporting various bodily functions.
The ECF is divided into two main compartments based on location: the interstitial fluid, which lies between the cells in connective tissues, and the plasma, which is the fluid component of blood. The interstitial fluid provides a means for oxygen, nutrients, and waste products to be transported between cells and blood vessels. It also serves as a medium for chemical signaling and communication between cells. Plasma, on the other hand, carries and distributes nutrients, hormones, and other molecules throughout the body.
The composition of the extracellular fluid is tightly regulated by various mechanisms to maintain a stable internal environment for cells to function optimally. These include mechanisms such as osmoregulation and ion balance, which ensure that the ECF has the appropriate concentrations of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium), nutrients, and gases. Imbalances in the extracellular fluid can lead to various pathological conditions, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and fluid retention.
In conclusion, extracellular fluid is the fluid that surrounds and bathes cells in multicellular organisms, providing a medium for transport, communication, and maintenance of homeostasis in the body.
Common Misspellings for EXTRACELLULAR FLUID
- wxtracellular fluid
- sxtracellular fluid
- dxtracellular fluid
- rxtracellular fluid
- 4xtracellular fluid
- 3xtracellular fluid
- eztracellular fluid
- ectracellular fluid
- edtracellular fluid
- estracellular fluid
- exrracellular fluid
- exfracellular fluid
- exgracellular fluid
- exyracellular fluid
- ex6racellular fluid
- ex5racellular fluid
- exteacellular fluid
- extdacellular fluid
- extfacellular fluid
Etymology of EXTRACELLULAR FLUID
The word "extracellular" is derived from the Latin prefix "extra-" which means "outside" or "beyond", and the Latin word "cellula" which means "a small room" or "a cell". The term "extracellular" is used to describe something that is located or occurs outside of the cell.
The word "fluid" comes from the Latin word "fluidus" which means "flowing" or "liquid". It refers to a substance that can flow and take the shape of its container.
When combined, "extracellular fluid" refers to the fluid that is found outside of the cells within multicellular organisms. It encompasses the fluids present between cells (interstitial fluid), as well as the fluids in other compartments such as blood plasma and lymph.
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