thirst

(verb)

The sensation that drives organisms to ingest water. It is considered a basic survival instinct.

Related Terms

Examples of thirst in the following topics:

  • Regulation of Water Intake

    • Body water homeostasis is regulated mainly through ingested fluids, which, in turn, depends on thirst.
    • Thirst is the basic instinct or urge that drives an organism to ingest water.
    • Thirst is a sensation created by the hypothalamus, the "Thirst Center" of the human body.
    • Thirst is an important component of blood volume regulation, which is slowly regulated by homeostasis.
    • Angiotensin II acts on the hypothalamus to cause the sensation of thirst.

  • Signs and Symptoms of Shock

    • Hypothermia, due to decreased perfusion and evaporation of sweat, and thirst and dry mouth, due to fluid depletion may also be present.

  • Tissues and Aging

    • A compromised sense of thirst as a consequence of aging led these elderly people to be severely dehydrated.
    • Because water balance is altered and the sensation of thirst diminishes with age, older people are more susceptible to dehydration.

  • Fluids and Aging

    • In adults over the age of 50 years, the body's thirst sensation reduces and continues diminishing with age, putting this population at increased risk of dehydration.

  • Functions of the Diencephalon

    • The hypothalamus controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian cycles.

  • Regulation of Water Output

    • Angiotensin II has a variety of effects (such as increasing thirst) but it also causes release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex.

  • Water Balance Disorders

    • Plain water restores only the volume of the blood plasma, inhibiting the thirst mechanism before solute levels can be replenished.

  • Pneumonia

    • More severe symptoms may include central cyanosis, decreased thirst, convulsions, persistent vomiting, or a decreased level of consciousness.

  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

    • The classical symptoms are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), and weight loss.

  • Production of Dilute and Concentrated Urine

    • An individual's thirst provides a better guide for how much water they require rather than a specific, fixed number.