Water and Capillary Action in Your Body

　　The Function of H2O and Capillary Action in the Human Anatomy

　　You might not be well-versed in the concept of capillary action, yet it is integral to your daily existence. This mechanism is essential for the conveyance of water throughout your organism. It regulates the flow of water into and out of cellular compartments, aiding in the distribution of vitamins, nutrients, and vital blood plasma. The lack of this circulation would inhibit cellular rehydration and hinder the crucial communication link between the brain and the body’s other components. Capillary action occurs due to the adhesive and cohesive properties of water. But what is a concise definition of capillary action? It describes the flow of water through the interstices of a permeable substance, propelled by adhesive, cohesive forces, and surface tension. Surface tension measures the strength of water’s surface film, which is remarkably robust, surpassed only by mercury among everyday liquids. This characteristic enables water to support objects heavier and denser than itself, such as a steel needle floating on its surface. Certain water-bound insects, such as the water strider, rely on surface tension to move across the water’s surface.

　　Capillary action is a consequence of water’s adhesive quality, resulting from cohesive forces (the inclination of water molecules to stick together) and adhesive forces (the attraction of water molecules to other substances). As a result, water clings in droplets and sticks to glass, fabric, organic tissue, and soil. Submerging a paper towel in water causes the water to rise up the towel until gravity prevails.

　　The importance of this phenomenon is often underestimated. For example, when you spill a beverage like Kool-Aid on a surface, surface tension keeps it pooled rather than spreading out as a thin sugary layer. When you employ a paper towel to wipe up the spill, the liquid adheres to the paper’s fibers, essentially being pulled into the spaces among and within them.

　　Capillary action is vital for the well-being of plants and trees. They extend their roots into the soil to absorb water, which is then transported upwards through the plant. Nutrient-laden water is taken up by the roots and travels up through the plant’s tissues. As the initial water molecule starts to rise, it pulls the subsequent molecule along, initiating a chain reaction. A classic example of capillary action is observed by placing a piece of celery in dyed water, illustrating how water is conveyed through the plant’s capillaries.

　　Without water and the movement it facilitates, your body would fail to operate correctly.