Total body sodium (TBSodium) is a major determinant of body water and arterial pressure. Several observations, in particular that of a "sodium memory," indicate that TBSodium is a controlled variable. Various regulatory elements are involved, e.g., the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, atrial receptors, and renal arterial pressure. Balance studies in dogs provide new insights into their contributions to TBSodium control.