Introduction
Homeostatic mechanisms in the bodies of all animals are constantly monitoring variables such as pH, ionic concentration, and water volume within the body tissues. Assmus et al. (2020) and Lorenzo et al. (2019) assert that homeostasis maintains the cellular environment nearly constant. The central organ systems involved in homeostasis include the kidney, the neuroendocrine systems, and the brain (Cherney et al., 2020; Siow et al., 2017). In this experiment, the aim is to determine urine volume and composition including its physical and chemical properties.
Objectives
To study the homeostatic control of water and electrolyte balance in humans.
To design an experiment demonstrating how precisely the body controls variables such as pH, ionic concentration, and water volume within the body tissues.
Procedure
Four volunteer participants ate a normal breakfast two hours before the experiment and consumed water and juice as desired. Excessive caffeine consumption was avoided, and nothing was consumed after the experiment began. Individuals with chronic diseases were not allowed to participate in the experiment but instead took active technical roles. The participants slowly drank 750 ml. of cold distilled water without exceeding five minutes. A clean graduated beaker was provided for sample collection by following the experimental protocols. Urine volume was measured every 30 minutes by noting the elapsed time in each case.
Materials
750 ml. of cold distilled water, a clean graduated beaker, and a timer.
Results
Discussion/Conclusion
Distilled water has low minerals and lacks electrolytes that are essential for the body. Drinking distilled water causes a decrease in the metabolic function of the body and increases urine output, resulting in electrolyte imbalance (‘‘Distilled water: Uses, safety, and side effects.’’ n.d.). Participants were allowed to drink water before the urine test because a dilute sample can only be affected by the amount of fluid intake within a short period prior to provision of urine sample (‘‘Urine 24-hour volume,’’ n.d.). However, if the participant obtains results that are closer to a dilute sample, it is essential to stop drinking fluids for 2 to 4 hours before providing the sample.
References
Assmus, A. M., Mullins, J. J., Brown, C. M., & Mullins, L. J. (2020). Cellular plasticity: A mechanism for homeostasis in the kidney. Acta Physiologica, 229(1). Web.
Cherney, D. Z., Kanbay, M., & Lovshin, J. A. (2020). Renal physiology of glucose handling and therapeutic implications. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 35(Supplement_1), i3-i12. Web.
Distilled water: Uses, safety, and side effects. (n.d.). Svalbarði Polar Iceberg Water. Web.
Lorenzo, I., Serra-Prat, M., & Yébenes, J. C. (2019). The role of water homeostasis in muscle function and frailty: A review. Nutrients, 11(8), 1857. Web.
Siow, P. C., Tan, W. S. K., & Henry, C. J. (2017). Impact of isotonic beverage on the hydration status of healthy Chinese adults in an air-conditioned environment. Nutrients, 9(3), 242. Web.
Urine 24-hour volume. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. Web.