The importance of regulating ECF osmolarity is A) to help maintain blood pressure. B) to prevent the urine from becoming too concentrated. C) to prevent fluid shifts between the cells and the extracellular fluid, which could produce profound symptoms as the cells swell or shrink. D) to prevent spontaneous depolarization of nerve and muscle cell membranes because of shifts in Na⁺ balance. E) to prevent an acid-base imbalance if the hydrogen ions were to become too concentrated or too dilute in the body fluids.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regulating ECF osmolarity is important to prevent fluid shifts between cells and the extracellular fluid. If this balancing act is not maintained, cells can swell or shrink, producing various symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the osmolarity of the extracellular fluid stable. Maintaining blood pressure, preventing urine from becoming too concentrated, and preventing spontaneous depolarization in nerve and muscle cells are all also important functions, but they are not directly related to ECF osmolarity. An acid-base imbalance is related to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the body fluids, but it is not directly related to ECF osmolarity.

The Importance of Regulating ECF Osmolarity Is