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KEY TERMS

acclimatization Physiological changes that occur in response to repeated exposure to an environmental condition such as heat or high altitude.

aldosterone A hormone released by the adrenal gland that helps to maintain normal blood sodium levels by increasing the kidney's reabsorption of sodium and decreasing the amount of sodium lost in sweat.

antidiuretic hormone A hormone released by the anterior pituitary that helps to maintain blood volume in the face of dehydration by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys and decreasing the amount of urine produced.

cold diuresis Increased urine production and excretion that occurs in extreme cold as a result of peripheral vasoconstriction, high blood sugar, and decreased renal reabsorption of water.

diuresis Increased urine production and excretion.

encephalopathy Loss of normal function of brain tissue, which may result from a wide variety of conditions including hyponatremia.

euhydration A state of "normal" body water content; the perfect balance between "too much" and "not enough" fluid intake.

heat cramps (exercise-associated muscle cramps) Muscle spasms resulting from loss of large amounts of water and electrolytes during physical exertion; typically affect the abdomen, arms, and calves.

heat exhaustion A heat-related illness that occurs after prolonged exposure to heat without adequate replacement of fluids and electrolytes; symptoms include heavy sweating, fatigue, and vomiting. Heat exhaustion is less serious than heat stroke.

heat stroke A severe heat-related illness with extreme overheating resulting from prolonged exposure to heat without adequate replacement of fluids and electrolytes; symptoms include lack of sweating, strong and rapid pulse, disorientation, and loss of consciousness. Often fatal without rapid treatment.

hypothalamus A portion of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, among many other functions.

postural hypotension The pooling of blood in the legs and inadequate blood supply to the upper body that causes dizziness, weakness, and collapse; often occurs with dehydration and heat stress and may be confused with heat stroke.

rhabdomyolysis Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and release of contents into the bloodstream that sometimes leads to kidney failure; caused by dehydration and heat stress.