Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of sweat glands in the skin. Individuals with this condition would have difficulty with which of the following processes?
A. body temperature regulation
B. plasma osmolarity regulation
C. bodily salt balance
D. maintaining extracellular fluid levels
Click for Explanation
Sweating through the skin primarily affects temperature regulation. Excessive sweating can dehydrate the body, but the body’s overall plasma osmolarity, salt levels, and extracellular fluid levels are tightly controlled. If these values changed a great deal, it would be harmful to the cells and tissues. Remember for the MCAT, osmolarity and blood pressure are regulated by the kidneys. Sweating is for temperature regulation.
a) body temperature regulation, correct.
b) plasma osmolarity, incorrect, Plasma osmolarity is regulated by the kidneys.
c) bodily salt balance, incorrect, salt balance is a component of osmolarity and regulated by the kidneys.
d) extracellular fluid levels, incorrect, The fluid comprising sweat is produced by specialized eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. It is not simple diffusion of extracellular fluid.
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