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Fluid compartments

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Fluid compartments

  • intracellular fluid, ICF - two thirds - 28 litres
  • extracellular fluid, ECF - one third - 14 litres
    • of which
      • 80% interstitial
      • 20% plasma - 2.8 litres

ICF contains principally K, proteins, organic ions. ECF contains principally Na, Cl, HCO3. Plasma contains principally albumin, HCO3, Cl, Na.

Division by membranes:

  • ICF - membrane - ECF - membrane - PLASMA
    • membrane between ICF and ECF
      • cellular membrane permeable to water - Osmotic gradient
    • membrane between ECF and plasma
    • capillary membrane permeable to water and electrolytes - pressure gradient

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