Understanding Electrolytes and Body Fluids

Flashcards cover key concepts related to electrolytes, body fluids, pH, and physiological processes relevant to health and disease.

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14.

Acid

A substance that increases hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

Base

A substance that decreases hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

Hydrogen (H)

The first element on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 1.

Sodium (Na)

An element in the periodic table, used in various body functions and part of the extracellular fluid.

Magnesium (Mg)

An element that acts as an electrolyte and is crucial for many bodily functions.

Potassium (K)

An important electrolyte that regulates heart and muscle function.

Chloride (Cl)

An electrolyte that helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that have an electric charge, crucial for various bodily functions.

Cations

Positively charged ions that play critical roles in cellular function.

Anions

Negatively charged ions that help maintain balance with cations.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body.

Intracellular fluid

The fluid found inside cells, making up about 60% of body fluid.

Extracellular fluid

The fluid outside of cells, including interstitial fluid and plasma.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid that surrounds tissue cells, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange.

Intravascular fluid

Fluid that exists within blood vessels.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues.

Albumin

A protein in blood plasma that helps maintain fluid balance.

Peritonitis

Infection of the peritoneal cavity, often requiring antibiotics.

Pleura

The membrane surrounding the lungs, which can become inflamed (pleurisy).

CO₂

Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of respiration that can affect body pH.

Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)

A key buffer in the blood that helps maintain pH balance.

Compensation

The process by which the body attempts to stabilize pH levels when disrupted.

Bicarbonate buffer system

A crucial buffering system helping maintain blood pH.

Anisotachia

A condition where the presence of large proteins causes swelling.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from lower to higher solute concentration.

Diffusion

The process of movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Active transport

The process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Homeostatic balance

The stable condition maintained by adjusting physiological processes.

Hydration

The process of providing adequate fluids to the body.

Fluid compartments

Distinct areas in the body where fluids are contained.

Hydration status

The balance of fluid intake and loss in the body.

Electrolyte imbalance

A disturbance in the levels of electrolytes in the body, affecting bodily functions.

Cardiac conduction

The transmission of electrical impulses through the heart muscle.

Diabetes

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells and proteins.

Tissues

Groups of cells that work together to perform specific functions.

Fluid dynamics

The study of how fluids move and behave in different conditions.

Acid-base balance

The regulation of acidity and alkalinity levels in the body.

Medication transport

The movement of drugs through blood to the target tissues.

Respiratory system

The organ system responsible for gas exchange in the body.

Metabolic processes

Biochemical reactions that occur within a living organism.

Nutrient transport

The process by which nutrients travel from the digestive system to cells.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test measuring the electrical activity of the heart.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate physiological processes in the body.

Fluid retention

When the body holds on to excess fluids, leading to swelling.

Cell membrane permeability

The property of a cell membrane that determines what substances can enter or leave the cell.

Habitual breathing patterns

Regular patterns of breathing that can affect CO₂ levels.

Metabolic acidosis

A condition characterized by low blood pH due to increased acid levels.

Metabolic alkalosis

A condition characterized by high blood pH due to decreased acid levels.

Hypokalemia

A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood.

Hyperkalemia

A condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by high calcium levels in the blood.

Sodium-potassium pump

A cellular mechanism that maintains the electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

Leukocytes

White blood cells crucial for the immune response.

Thrombocytes

Platelets involved in blood clotting.

Frontal plane

A plane that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Transverse plane

A plane that divides the body into superior and inferior sections.

Sagittal plane

A plane that divides the body into left and right sections.

Visceral membranes

Membranes that cover organs within cavities.

Parietal membranes

Membranes that line the cavitary wall.

Serosal fluid

Fluid that lubricates the surfaces of serous membranes.

Fluid therapy

The administration of fluids to restore or maintain body fluid balance.

Kidney function

The role of kidneys in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.

Hormonal influence

The effect hormones have on regulating fluid balance.

Urinary system

Body system responsible for filtering and managing waste products in the blood.

Gastrointestinal system

System responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption.

Body composition

The proportions of fat and non-fat mass in the body.

Thermoregulation

The body's process of maintaining a stable internal temperature.

Respiratory rate

The number of breaths taken per minute.

Oxygen saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen.

Respiratory acidosis

A condition resulting from inadequate excretion of CO₂ leading to decreased blood pH.

Respiratory alkalosis

A condition resulting from excessive carbon dioxide exhalation leading to increased blood pH.

Fluid compartments overview

Understanding the different areas fluids are contained within the body.

Normal saline

A solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) used in medical treatments.

Colloid solutions

Solutions that contain larger molecules, used to increase oncotic pressure.

Crystalloid solutions

Solutions that contain small molecules, easily pass through membranes.

Volume overload

A condition where there is an excess of fluid in the body.

Dialysis

A medical procedure to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding.

Assessing fluid status

Methods used to evaluate a patient's hydration and fluid balance.

Nutrient absorption

The process of taking in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from food.

Peripheral circulation

The flow of blood to and from the body's extremities.

Autoregulation

The ability of blood vessels to maintain constant blood flow despite changes in pressure.

Collagen fibers

Proteins that provide structural support and strength to tissues.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by fluids within the vessels.

Osmotic pressure

The pressure required to prevent water from moving across a semipermeable membrane.

Fluid clearance

The ability of the body to remove excess fluid.

Fibrinogen

A protein essential for blood clotting.

Chylomicrons

Lipid-rich particles that transport dietary lipids after absorption from the intestine.

Fluid shifts

Movements of fluid from one compartment to another in the body.

Acute kidney injury (AKI)

A rapid decline in kidney function, often resulting in fluid overload.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Gradual loss of kidney function over time, affecting fluid and electrolyte balance.

Permeability

The quality of a membrane that determines its ability to allow substances to pass through.

Pneumonia

An infection of the lungs that can alter gas exchange and fluid levels.

Pulmonary edema

Fluid accumulation within the lungs affecting gas exchange.

Oxygen therapy

The administration of oxygen to patients to manage respiratory distress.

Pressure ulcers

Injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure.