Advertisement

Dehydration

A deficit of total body water that impairs cellular function; caused by inadequate intake, excessive loss, or both.

Mild dehydration (1–3% body weight loss) can impair cognition and physical performance. Severe dehydration causes hypovolemic shock. Older adults and children are at highest risk due to reduced thirst perception and higher surface-area-to-volume ratio.

(Placeholder study content — expanded in the content build step.)

Advertisement

Related terms

Back to Physiological Adaptation

Advertisement