What are the functions of electrolyte water

Water and electrolytes play a very important role in the human body. If there is an imbalance in water and electrolytes, it will easily pose more threats to physical health. It mainly regulates the nervous system and hormone functions, and also has the effect of antidiuretic hormone.

1. The role of thirst

There is a thirst center on the side of the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. The main stimulus that excites this center is the increase in plasma crystal osmotic pressure, because this can dehydrate the nerve cells of the thirst center and cause thirst. When thirsty, people want to drink water. After drinking water, the plasma osmotic pressure drops back and the thirst disappears. In addition, the reduction of effective blood volume and the increase of angiotensin II can also cause thirst.

2. The role of antidiuretic hormone

Antidiuretic hormone is mainly secreted by the nerve cells of the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus and stored in the neurohypophysis. Antidiuretic hormone can increase the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney to water, thereby increasing the reabsorption of water. The main stimulus for the release of antidiuretic hormone is the increase in plasma crystal osmotic pressure and the decrease in circulating blood volume. In addition, increased arterial blood pressure can reflexively inhibit the release of antidiuretic hormone by stimulating the carotid sinus pressure receptors; pain stimulation and emotional tension can increase the release of antidiuretic hormone; increased angiotensin I can also stimulate the secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

3. The role of aldosterone

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. The main function of aldosterone is to promote the active reabsorption of sodium by the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney, and to promote the excretion of potassium and hydrogen through the exchange of sodium, potassium and sodium and hydrogen. Therefore, aldosterone has the functions of excreting potassium, excreting hydrogen and retaining sodium. With the increase of active reabsorption of sodium, the reabsorption of chloride and water also increases, which shows that aldosterone also has the function of retaining water. The secretion of aldosterone is mainly regulated by the renin-angiotensin system and the concentration of plasma sodium and potassium.