Final answer:
The body gains and loses water through various processes, including water intake, metabolic water production, and water loss through various routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body gains and loses water through various processes.
- Water Intake: Water is obtained through the intake of fluids, most of which are consumed through the digestive tract. On average, an adult takes in about 2500 mL (almost 3 quarts) of aqueous fluids daily.
- Metabolic Water: About 230 mL (8 ounces) of water is produced metabolically, in the last steps of aerobic respiration, contributing to daily water intake.
- Water Loss: The body eliminates approximately the same volume of water (2500 mL) through various routes, with most of it being removed as urine. Water is also lost through the skin via evaporation and from expelled air in the lungs. This type of water loss is called insensible water loss.
The daily intake of water should generally match the amount of water lost to maintain proper hydration.