Pathophysiology Week 2: Fluid, Electrolyte, Acid-Base Balance, and Stress Adaptation

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fluid compartments, pressure mechanisms, electrolyte functions, acid-base balance, and stress adaptation stages from the Week 2 Pathophysiology review packet.

Intravascular Fluid

Fluid inside the blood vessels that forms part of the extracellular fluid and directly supports heart function and blood pressure.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid found between cells; excessive collection of fluid in this compartment causes edema.

Transcellular Fluid

The smallest fluid compartment, consisting of fluid located in special spaces such as joints or body cavities.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cells.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside the cells.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The force that pushes fluid out of blood vessels.

Osmotic Pressure

The force that pulls fluid back into blood vessels.

Diffusion

The process by which particles move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The process by which water moves toward a higher solute concentration.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that helps the kidneys hold onto water.

Aldosterone

A hormone that helps the body retain sodium and water.

Sodium

An electrolyte that regulates fluid balance because water follows wherever it goes.

Potassium

An electrolyte that regulates heart rhythm and muscle contraction.

Calcium

An electrolyte that keeps nerves and muscles working at a steady level.

Magnesium

An electrolyte that works closely with potassium and calcium to support nerve and muscle function, enzyme reactions, protein and DNA synthesis, and heart rhythm.

Phosphate

An electrolyte that helps build bones and teeth and supports cellular energy ($\text{ATP}$), acid-base balance, and cell membrane function.

Chloride

The major anion that often follows sodium and helps support acid-base balance.

Acidosis

An acid-base disturbance that slows the nervous system down.

Alkalosis

An acid-base disturbance that makes the nervous system more irritable.

Buffers

Chemical substances that act quickly to maintain acid-base balance.

Lungs (Acid-Base Role)

Organs that help maintain acid-base balance by controlling carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) levels.

Kidneys (Acid-Base Role)

Organs that help maintain acid-base balance by controlling acids and bicarbonate.

Stressor

Any change or challenge that triggers a physiological stress response.

Eustress

Positive stress that can improve focus and motivation.

Distress

Negative stress that overwhelms the body's ability to adapt.

Alarm Stage

The initial stage of the stress response during which the body prepares for 'fight or flight'.

Resistance Stage

The stage of the stress response where hormone levels stay elevated as the body attempts to keep coping.

Exhaustion Stage

The final stage of the stress response where the body can no longer respond effectively.

Fluid Volume Deficit (Dehydration)

A condition in which the body lacks adequate fluid, primarily depleting the extracellular fluid in blood vessels and interstitial spaces.

Edema

The accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial space between cells, causing tissue swelling.

Ascites

An accumulation of fluid located within the abdominal cavity.

Third-Spacing

A pathological shift of fluid into a body space where it is not available for normal circulation.

Respiratory Acidosis

An acid-base imbalance caused by slow, ineffective breathing that allows $CO_2$ to accumulate in the blood.