Líkamsvökvi

Líkamsvökvi is Icelandic for bodily fluid. This term encompasses all the aqueous solutions and suspensions within a living organism, primarily the human body. These fluids are essential for maintaining life and performing numerous physiological functions.

The major bodily fluids include blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and intracellular fluid. Blood, a connective tissue, transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. Lymph is part of the immune system and helps in fluid balance and defense against pathogens. Cerebrospinal fluid protects the brain and spinal cord from damage and aids in nutrient and waste exchange. Synovial fluid lubricates joints, reducing friction between bones. Intracellular fluid is the fluid contained within cells, where most metabolic processes occur.

These fluids are regulated by complex homeostatic mechanisms to maintain a stable internal environment, known as homeostasis. Electrolyte balance, pH, and osmolarity are crucial parameters that are carefully controlled. Disruptions in bodily fluid balance can lead to various health issues, including dehydration, edema, and electrolyte imbalances. Understanding the composition and function of bodily fluids is fundamental to comprehending physiology and diagnosing medical conditions.