Word parts
What it means
The water inside cells, about two-thirds of all the water in the body. Its main positive ion is potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry , while the fluid outside cells is rich in sodiumSOH-dee-umA mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.Full entry . Water moves in and out of cells by osmosis, so cells swell or shrink when the fluid around them changes.
At a glance
| Also written | intracellular fluids |
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Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
body fluid
Any liquid made in or found inside the body, such as blood, urine, saliva or fluid inside cells.
interstitial
Relating to the small spaces between cells or between the parts of a tissue or organ.