Word parts
What it means
It makes up about one third of body water; the other two thirds is inside the cells (intracellular fluid). It includes the plasma in blood vessels (intravascular fluid) and the fluid between cells (interstitial fluid). Its main positive ion is sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry .
At a glance
| Spanish | líquido extracelular |
|---|---|
| Also written | ECF, extracellular fluids |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
osmolarity
The amount of dissolved particles in a set volume of fluid, which decides which way water moves.
plasma
The pale yellow liquid part of the blood, which carries the blood cells, proteins, nutrients and wastes.