Chapter 2
Question 18-Explain the importance of water and salts to body homeostasis

1)Water is important to maintain homeostasis in many ways. One, is that water makes up 60-80% of the volume of most living cells. Water also has a high heat capacity, so that means the body is releasing and absorbing large amounts of heat, and thus changing before appreciably in temperatures itself. This prevents sudden changes in temperature.Also water has a high vaporizing temperature, so the water helps give the high amounts of heat to break hydrogen bonds holding water together. Also the polar solvent properties help to hydrate, and spread nutrition throughout the body. Water also is important in many chemical reaction that keep the body healthy. Water helps cushion organs to protect them from physical trauma.
2)Salts are important to the body as well. All ions have electrolytes. These conduct an electrical current through solutions, and carry important sodium and potassium ions for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Salt also strengthens teeth and bone with calcium phosphates. Salt helps the hemoglobin in blood to clot by forming with the ionic iron. Lastly salts are important in enzyme activity.