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Can I get some help with this bioscience question: Describe the role that the gastrointestinal tract plays in maintaining fluid...?
and electrolyte balance within the body.
I mean, the role is serves is quite obvious, food and electrolytes go in and get absorbed as need be, but I've got a whole page to work with here and I cant really think of any specifics to talk about. My lecture notes barely address the subject, and thei nternet isn't helping much.
1 Answer
- Asst ProfLv 75 years ago
You're right in that the basic idea is the absorption of food and electrolytes by the small intestine, but don't forget the importance of the colon in maintaining water and electrolyte balance. If the colon is irritated for any reason (disease, bad food, etc), it may not do its job. This may result in an extreme case of diarrhea. Babies, the elderly, and the chronically ill can die in these cases due to dehydration (loss of water) and the concurrent loss of electrolytes.