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Figure 14. (a) On Earth, gravity affects the distribution of fluids in the body. (b) Upon entering microgravity, the fluids are no longer pulled "downward" and the fluids redistribute more toward the chest and upper body. (c) As the body detects an excess of fluids around the chest and head, the kidneys will begin the fluid elimination process. Also, the heart becomes smaller. (d) Upon landing back on Earth, gravity exerts its force on the reduced level of fluid in the body. There is not enough fluid to function normally on Earth. |