science/biology question!?

Question

there is a question in my textbook that i need help on...it is:

Explain why drinking quantities of salt water is dangerous to humans.(Hint: The body excretes salt water as a water solution)

i think it has to do with cells and osmosis and stuff...

Answer 1

i learned this last year... if too much salt gets into your system, then the salt will get into your cells causing the water to go out. this will cause the cell to shrink because it doesn't have enough water. this is because of osmosis. the water will movie from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. in this case, that's outside the cell. when water moves outside the cell it is called a hypertonic solution.

Answer 2

If it excretes salt water as a water solution then where is the salt? still in our bodies. This would cause an electrolyte imbalance, we would be dehydrated at the very least and die in the extreme. take a look at this site on electrolytes, its explains a little of how sodium (salt is sodium chloride) is important for our organ and brain functions. By the way, i dont study Biology this is just my guess.... good luck.

Answer 3

Because salt takes away water and wen cells get their water taken away boom they die

Answer 4

I think you have it with osmosis and cells

Answer 5

salt retains water and yout tissues will swell

Answer 6

It will cause the body to dehydrate.

Answer 7

salt causes dehydration. the more you drink, the thirstier you become.

Answer 8

I'm not answering this because you hurt my feelings by putting this in the wrong category.

Answer 9

Because you will dehydrate

Answer 10

why is it in fashion?