Hydrostatic Pressure and Diffusion Principles

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to hydrostatic pressure, osmosis, and factors affecting diffusion rates.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the force of gravity.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent water from moving into a solution via osmosis.

Sphygmomanometer

A device used to measure blood pressure, reflecting hydrostatic pressure in blood vessels.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in concentration between two areas; a larger difference leads to a higher rate of diffusion.

Crenation

The shrinking of a cell due to loss of water, typically occurring in hypertonic solutions.

Dialysis Membrane

A semipermeable membrane that uses size as a criterion for permeability.

Cell Membrane Permeability

Refers to how easily substances can diffuse across a cell membrane, with nonpolar substances diffusing easily.

Barrier Thickness

Thicker barriers lead to decreased rates of exchange.

Surface Area

Increased surface area allows for more opportunities for exchange, as seen in lung capillaries.

Diffusion Rate

The speed at which substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.