Transcellular fluid is the portion of total body water contained within epithelial lined spaces. It is the smallest component of extracellular fluid, which also includes interstitial fluid and plasma. It is often not calculated as a fraction of the extracellular fluid, but it is about 2.5% of the total body water or 5% of extracellular fluid. Examples of this fluid are cerebrospinal fluid, ocular fluid and joint fluid.
Contents
Composition
Due to the varying locations of transcellular fluid, the composition changes dramatically. Some of the electrolytes present in the transcellular fluid are sodium ions, chloride ions, and bicarbonate ions.
Physiological Function
There are also varied functions for the trans-cellular fluid. In the joints, it serves a lubrication function, while the urine allows for the removal of electrolytes and molecules from the body.