Body water

thumb|Thirst (1886), by William-Adolphe Bouguereau Thirst is the craving for potable fluids, resulting in the basic instinct of animals to drink. It is an essential mechanism involved in fluid balance. It arises from a lack of fluids or an increase in the concentration of certain osmolites, such as sodium. If the water volume of the body falls below a certain threshold or the osmolite concentration becomes too high, structures in the brain detect changes in blood constituents and signal thirst.

thumb|Statue drinking from a traditional waterskin|alt=Statue of a man drinking|upright=1.2 thumb|upright|A person drinking a glass of milk

excessive intake of water

type of fluid replacement used to prevent and treat dehydration

human disease

chemical compound

water content of an animal's body