A form of thirst arising from depletion of fluid within cells and triggered by osmoreceptors (2), as after ingestion of salt, which accumulates in the extracellular fluid and creates osmotic pressure, forcing fluid out of the cell. Also called osmometric thirst or osmotic thirst.

What is the cause of osmotic thirst?

Osmometric thirst occurs when the interstitial fluid becomes hypertonic, drawing water out of cells. This event, which can be caused by evaporation of water from the body or by ingestion of a salty meal, is detected by osmorecpetors in the region of the anteroventral third ventricle (the AV3V).

What is osmotic thirst in psychology?

thirst resulting from a loss of cellular fluids and a relative increase in osmotic pressure. Also called intracellular thirst; osmotic thirst.