Water relations of altered body functions.

Body fluids are relatively dilute aqueous solutions, so despite their complex and variable chemical constitution, the properties of water contribute materially to their physical behavior. Since there is probably no water-potential gradient anywhere in the body, those fluids are in dynamic osmotic equilibrium with each other and, because water resembles a highly mobile random network of severely distorted hydrogen bonds, a dynamic water continuum pervades the body-fluid compartments. This random network is subject to interference in a variety of ways, but its likely response is remarkably consistent with corresponding changes in major body functions. The state of body water may therefore be a more sensitive index of abnormality than hitherto supposed.