Osmosis and Diarrhea Mechanism
A “red-hot” bacterial infection of the intestinal tract irritates the intestinal cells and interferes with digestion. Such a condition is often accompanied by diarrhea, which causes loss of body water.
- On the basis of what you have learned about osmotic water flows, explain why diarrhea may occur.
Osmotic Water Flow and Diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when there is an imbalance in the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. The mechanism of osmotic water flow plays a key role in this process:
- Osmotic Gradient Disruption:
In a healthy intestine, water is absorbed from digested food into the bloodstream. However, when there is an infection, like a “red-hot” bacterial infection, the intestinal cells are irritated, leading to inflammation. This irritation disrupts normal absorption. - Increased Solutes in the Lumen:
Bacterial infections often result in the release of toxins or other substances that can increase the concentration of solutes (such as sugars, salts, or bacterial waste products) within the lumen (the inside space of the intestines). This creates a hyperosmolar condition in the intestine. - Osmotic Water Movement:
According to the principle of osmosis, water tends to move from an area of lower solute …
Osmotic Water Flow and Diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when there is an imbalance in the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. The mechanism of osmotic water flow plays a key role in this process:
- Osmotic Gradient Disruption:
In a healthy intestine, water is absorbed from digested food into the bloodstream. However, when there is an infection, like a “red-hot” bacterial infection, the intestinal cells are irritated, leading to inflammation. This irritation disrupts normal absorption. - Increased Solutes in the Lumen:
Bacterial infections often result in the release of toxins or other substances that can increase the concentration of solutes (such as sugars, salts, or bacterial waste products) within the lumen (the inside space of the intestines). This creates a hyperosmolar condition in the intestine. - Osmotic Water Movement:
According to the principle of osmosis, water tends to move from an area of lower solute …
