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Extracellular Fluid Volume

Meaning

Extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) is the total quantity of water and dissolved solutes existing outside of the cells in the body, encompassing both the interstitial fluid surrounding the cells and the plasma component of the blood. Maintaining the precise volume and osmolality of this compartment is a vital, tightly controlled aspect of physiological homeostasis. Alterations in ECFV directly influence blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and the nutritional and waste exchange of all cells.