What happens to a humans red blood cells if they drink saltwater?

Answer 1

Red blood cells will swell when placed into a solution of pure water. This is due to the osmolarity. Normal blood osmolarity is around 310 milliosmoles. The osmolarity difference when putting the red blood cell from blood into water will cause swelling of the cell. Osmotic pressure will be driving water from the environment into the cell in an effort to create equal osmotic pressures in the two environments, the cytoplasm of the red blood cell and the water solution. Ultimately, the too much water will flow into the red blood cells and they will inevitably lyse.

Answer 2

Nothing in particular if they drink saltwater. Now if you place red blood cells in saltwater then the fluid inside of them will flow out and they will shrink. A process called crenation. If you drink saltwater, it will draw fluid from your tissues increasing your blood volume and you will urinate more dehydrating you. As a result your blood may become more viscous but I don't believe anything would happen the the red blood cells specifically.

Answer 3

If the salt solution is Isotonic, that means 0.9 %(Means 9 gram/liter.) then nothing will happen to them. If Hypo tonic(Means salt is less salt than this,water will enter the cells and they will swell up.) If solution is Hyper tonic,(Means, salt is more than this.)then cells will shrink.

Answer 4

Drinking saltwater can cause red blood cells to shrink due to the higher concentration of salt outside the cells. This can lead to dehydration and potential harm to the body's organs if not treated promptly.

Answer 5

They will shrink!