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WATER ( H 2 O ) / FLUID photo credit: needpix.com The volume, composition, and distribution of body fluids have profound effects on cellular function and activities. Meanwhile, the term dehydration means excessive loss of water; it can also be taken as the depletion of water in the body, irrespective of the cause. Causes of dehydration may be physiological, biochemical, environmental, etc. Water is second to only oxygen when it comes to it’s vital importance to the body. One can live for a long time without food, but definitely not water. OUR BODY WATER Water is the largest single component of the body. At birth, water accounts for approximately 75% to 85% of total body weight; this proportion decreases with age and level of adiposity. Water accounts for 60% to 70% of total body weight in the lean adult and 45% to 55% of total body weight in the obese adult. Metabolically active...