Final answer:
The two extracellular fluid compartments of the body are interstitial fluid, which fills the spaces between cells, and plasma, the component of blood that carries various substances throughout the body. These compartments are essential for transporting materials to and from cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two extracellular fluid (ECF) compartments of the body are the interstitial fluid (IF) and plasma. The interstitial fluid is the fluid that occupies the spaces between cells and is a major component of the ECF. Plasma, on the other hand, is the liquid part of the blood that transports cells along with various substances like proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body. Together, these two compartments facilitate important physiological functions, as they are involved in the transport of materials to and from cells.
Besides IF and plasma, the ECF also includes other body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, and the aqueous humor of the eye. However, the IF and plasma are the principal components of the ECF, holding the majority of the body's water content outside the cells.