Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 13: PHYSIOLOGY OF FLUID BALANCEUnit 13:Physiology of Fluid BalanceNQF Level 3:Guided learning hours: 60BTEC NationalsUnit abstractWater is essential for the maintenance of life, and the maintenance of fluid balancein the human body is therefore of primary importance when caring for individuals.This unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of a number of fundamentalscientific principles that will underpin further studies in health-related science, aswell as an overview of physiology in relation to the homeostatic control of water.The unit initially extends the basic knowledge of cells introduced in Unit 5:Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care, investigatingthe microstructure of cells and the contribution made by cell organelles to theoverall functioning of cells. The movement of materials into and out of cells is thenconsidered, followed by the distribution of fluids and role of water and dissolvedsubstances in the body.Learners will then go on to examine the renal system and its role in homeostasis, inparticular in relation to water balance. Finally, they will be able to apply theknowledge and understanding gained to dysfunctions in relation to water balance.The unit will be useful to those learners intending to work in the health or social caresectors, or progressing to further or higher studies. The scientific principles gainedthrough the study of this unit will support learners and link with several other scienceunits within the programme.Learning outcomesOn completion of this unit a learner should:1 Understand the microstructure of a typical animal cell2 Understand the movement of materials into and out of cells3 Understand the distribution and constituents of fluids in the human body4 Understand homeostatic processes in relation to water balance.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007181