Water is the predominant constituent of all of the bodies tissues Essay

Water is the predominant constituent of all of the bodies tissues. Discuss and compare the roles of water in cellular tissues and the connective tissues - Essay Example However, when an isotonic solution is infused, only 1/4th of the volume infused remains in the intravascular space after some time due to the influence of osmotic and hydrostatic forces. The intravascular compartment contains molecules with large molecular weight which are incapable of crossing the semi permeable plasma membrane due to small size of the pores (www.merckvetmanual.com). These large molecules or colloids exert a force on the membrane due to the difference in osmotic gradient known as the colloidal oncotic pressure (COP). The difference in the COP and the hydrostatic pressure is responsible for the control of the fluid content in the intravascular space and the interstitial compartments. When intravascular hydrostatic pressure rises above the COP, fluid movement occurs in the direction of interstitial space resulting in rehydration or oedema depending on the pre-existing hydration status. Any increase in membrane pore size or high interstitial COP can also contribute to this phenomenon. The evolution of animal life has produced diverse life forms of various Phyla which have habitats as diverse as the depths of oceans to deserts and mountains. This has lead to the development of exclusive water regulatory mechanisms in different species. The mammalian water regulatory mechanisms are more or less uniform in structure, functioning and adaptive mechanisms. Terrestrial life involves the risks of desiccation as well as salt deficiency, which have important roles to play in water regulation of the body (Denton et al, 1996). The hypothalamus in the mid brain and kidneys are the important organs in mammalian species which play vital role in water regulation. In higher vertebrates, the hypothalamus is responsible for triggering and controlling mechanisms in response to external as well as internal disturbances to maintain the body homeostasis internally.