Intracellular Fluid Definition
Intracellular fluid is the fluid that exists within the cells of multi-celled organisms. The intracellular fluid is therefore stored within the intracellular compartments of the body. Intracellular fluid is often referred to as cytosol when discussing cellular functions. The cytosol and the organelles and molecules contained within are referred to collectively as the cytoplasm. The opposite of the intracellular fluid is the extracellular fluid, which exists on the outside of the cells in the extracellular compartment of the body. Many cellular mechanisms and enzymes work to move products and wastes from the intracellular fluid to the extracellular fluid, while at the same time bringing in new nutrients and solutes to the intracellular fluid.
Related Biology Terms
- Extracellular Fluid – Fluid that surrounds the cells of the body, but is separated still from the environment.
- Cytosol – The fluid containing nutrients, proteins, and other molecules in a cell, also called intracellular fluid.
- Cytoplasm – The entire contents of a cell, including the cytosol and all the associated organelles and other cellular machines.
Quiz
1. Molecules in the gut are digested to be used in cells all over the body. A particular nutrient is created by enzymes in the intestines. The cells in the intestines then absorb this nutrient and pass the nutrient to the bloodstream. The nutrient then travels to the capillaries, where is forced from the bloodstream. Where is the molecule now?
A. In intracellular fluid
B. In extracellular fluid
C. In the Cytosol