Figure 3. The unique chemical structure of water allows it to fulfi ll a diverse array of essential functions in the body. For example, its polar structure makes it a great solvent and also supports its role in acid-base balance and thermal homeostasis (source: Martin Chaplin, 2011; http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/molecule.html; licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derive Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License