Questions: Water Malabsorption
Which body system would be affected the most by a lack of water absorption in the intestines?
Cardiovascular
Nervous
Lymphatic
Integumentary
Endocrine
Transcript text: Water Malabsorption
Which body system would be affected the most by a lack of water absorption in the intestines?
Cardiovascular
Nervous
Lymphatic
Integumentary
Endocrine
Solution
The answer is the first one: Cardiovascular.
Explanation for each option:
Cardiovascular: The cardiovascular system would be most affected by a lack of water absorption in the intestines. Water is crucial for maintaining blood volume and pressure. Without adequate water absorption, blood volume decreases, leading to lower blood pressure and potentially causing dehydration, which can strain the heart and impair circulation.
Nervous: While the nervous system can be affected by severe dehydration, it is not the primary system impacted by water absorption issues in the intestines. The nervous system relies on proper hydration for optimal function, but it is secondary to the cardiovascular system in this context.
Lymphatic: The lymphatic system helps in fluid balance and immune function, but it is not the primary system affected by water absorption issues in the intestines. It would be indirectly affected due to changes in fluid balance.
Integumentary: The integumentary system (skin, hair, nails) can show signs of dehydration, such as dry skin, but it is not the most affected system by water absorption issues in the intestines.
Endocrine: The endocrine system regulates various bodily functions, including fluid balance through hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH). However, it is not the primary system affected by water absorption issues in the intestines.
Summary:
The cardiovascular system is the most affected by a lack of water absorption in the intestines due to its critical role in maintaining blood volume and pressure.