Cellular function requires a fluid medium with a carefully controlled composition. If the quantity, osmolarity, electrolyte concentrations, or pH of this medium is altered, life-threatening disorders of cellular function may result. Consequently, the body has several homeostatic mechanisms for maintaining these variables within narrow limits. These involve the urinary, respiratory, digestive, integumentary, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems. This chapter describes the homeostatic regulation of water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance and shows their close relationship.

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