Transportation of water through the human body

Water is found inside and outside cells and circulates in the blood. Water is key to life. Humans can survive more than a month without food, but only a few days without water. Water is found inside and outside cells and circulates in the blood.

Our bodies are about 60 percent water.

Our lungs are 90 percent water,

Our brain is 70 percent water.

Our blood is more than 80 percent water.

Simply put, we can't function without water.

Role in the body Water plays many important roles in the body including: Transportation Water transports glucose, oxygen, and fat to working muscles. Water transports waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid away from working muscles.

Body temperature regulation The body wants to keep a constant temperature of approximately 37ºC. Working muscles generate heat. The body can generate 20 times more heat when working, than when at rest. To prevent overheating, the body regulates temperature by sweating. Sweat evaporates from the skin, which cools it down. This cools down the blood and the rest of the body.

Urine Water transports and eliminates waste products in the urine. Digestion Water is an important component of saliva and gastric juices, which help digest food. Lubrication Water is a good lubricator of joints, organs, and tissues.

Role of water in the body

Each day most people: sweat out about 0.5 litres of water. lose about a quarter of a litre when they exhale it. eliminate (pee) about 1.4 litres of it.

How do we replace it?

We can get about 20 percent of the water we need through the food we eat.

You can get your water by drinking water and other beverages.

You need more water: When you are exercising. If you are ill with diarrhoea, vomiting or fever. If you’re in a hot environment for a long time.

What is the difference between a raisin and a grape? Water! When you don't get enough water, or lose too much water, you become dehydrated. What is the difference between a raisin and a grape? Water!

Dehydration caused by diarrhoea is a major cause of death in undeveloped countries. Nearly 2 million people, mostly children, die from it each year [source: World Health Organisation]. Consuming water polluted with biological contaminants and not having access to adequate sanitary facilities can lead to diseases like malaria and cholera. Water can be also be contaminated with chemicals, pesticides and other naturally occurring substances.

You might to use this information in different ways, such as: You might to use this information in different ways, such as: * writing a quiz for your friends in other year groups or members of your family * writing factual labels for an interactive display * designing healthy eating/living posters…. or however you think you could share it.

The contents of this resource link to Resource 18: ‘A Long Walk to Water’.