BIOL 221 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Synovial Fluid, Heat Sink, Dehydration Reaction
6 Mar 2020
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Document Summary
Water functions: temperature regulation, cushion (amniotic fluid, csf, lubricant (serous and synovial fluids, reactant, dehydration synthesis, hydrolysis, solvent, transport medium. Water serves many important functions in the body and in the environment. Water acts as heat sink to moderate temperature changes; it takes a considerable change of energy to change the temperature of water. This helps organisms maintain body temperature more easily. It also has a high heat of vaporization, which allows water to serve as a coolant (e. g. , sweat). Because water is denser than air, it can serve as a cushion in various areas. Examples include amniotic fluid that cushions the developing embryo and fetus, cerebrospinal fluid (csf) that supports the brain, and synovial fluid in the bursae at the joints. Water also serves as an internal lubricant (e. g. , serous and synovial fluids) decreasing friction during movement. Water is an essential solvent dissolving electrolytes and hydrophilic compounds.
