The desire to drink. Thirst is one means by which the amount of water in the body is controlled (the other is the volume of urine excreted). Thirst is stimulated by an increased concentration of salt, sugar, or certain other substances in the blood. As the blood passes through the hypothalamus in the brain, special nerve receptors are stimulated, inducing the sensation of thirst. Thirst is also stimulated if blood volume decreases as a result of sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, severe bleeding, or extensive burns. Thirst may also be caused by a dry mouth.
Thirst |
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