Normally, the basal metabolic rate or heat production is approximately 1 kcal per kg of body weight per hour, or 37 to 40 kcal per square mater of body surface per hour, or 1500 to 1800 kcal per day. An individual restricted to bed rest will have a daily metabolic exchange of about 20 per cent above the basal level. When ambulatory but not engaged in actual manual work, approximately twice the basal energy requirement is expended. During heavy labor, 5000 to 7000 kcal per day are required. The basal metabolism is higher in men (39.5 kcal per square mater of body surface) as compared to women (37 kcal). It declines gradually from about Read more

The energy expended by the body at any given time is the summation of (1) the mechanical work performed, including that expended by the activity of the respiratory muscles, heart, and other viscera which are in constant motion; (2) the energy expended by the cells in the maintenance of their integrity and activity’ and (3) the potential energy stored by the accretion of tissue formed in the process of growth. Over a relatively short period of time, the last – named is negligible. The energy exchange at rest in the post absorptive state is designated as the basal metabolic rate. It equals the Read more

Thus, at equilibrium the concentration of sodium ions on either side of a colluding membrane separating a solution of sodium chloride in water is equal. If protein, to which the membrane is impermeable, be added to the solution on one side of the membrane is expressed by the ratio of the Donnan equilibrium. A similar distribution occurs between the sodium – ion content of the vascular and extra vascular compartments of the extracellular fluid, which accordingly are in true physicochemical equilibrium. On the other hand, the sodium content whit in the cells is less and the potassium content Read more