The human body is composed of different fluid compartments, primarily divided into intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF). In an average 60 kg adult male, the expected distribution of body fluids can typically be broken down as follows:
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Total Body Water (TBW):
- Approximately 60% of body weight is water in adult males.
- For a 60 kg adult male: \[ \text{TBW} = 60 , \text{kg} \times 0.60 = 36 , \text{kg} , \text{(or liters, since 1 kg of water ≈ 1 L)} \]
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Intracellular Fluid (ICF):
- ICF accounts for approximately 40% of body weight.
- For a 60 kg adult male: \[ \text{ICF} = 60 , \text{kg} \times 0.40 = 24 , \text{L} \]
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Extracellular Fluid (ECF):
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ECF accounts for approximately 20% of body weight.
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For a 60 kg adult male: \[ \text{ECF} = 60 , \text{kg} \times 0.20 = 12 , \text{L} \]
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The ECF can further be divided into:
- Plasma (approximately 20% of ECF): \[ \text{Plasma} = 12 , \text{L} \times 0.20 = 2.4 , \text{L} \]
- Interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells, the remainder of ECF): \[ \text{Interstitial Fluid} = 12 , \text{L} - 2.4 , \text{L} = 9.6 , \text{L} \]
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Summary:
- Total Body Water (TBW): 36 L
- Intracellular Fluid (ICF): 24 L
- Extracellular Fluid (ECF): 12 L
- Plasma: 2.4 L
- Interstitial Fluid: 9.6 L
These values are approximate averages and can vary based on several factors such as age, sex, and body composition.
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