Fluid Compartments and Water Balance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fluid compartments, water balance, electrolytes, and acid-base balance in the body.

What separates intracellular fluid from surrounding interstitial fluid?

Plasma membrane of individual cells.

What are the two general barriers separating fluid compartments?

1. Plasma membrane of individual cells, 2. Blood vessel walls.

What is the primary source of water gain in the body?

Ingested liquids and moist foods.

What is hyponatremia?

A condition where there is low sodium content in the body due to excessive water intake.

What hormone does the RAA system promote when blood volume decreases?

Renin.

What is the result of mild dehydration in terms of blood volume?

Blood volume and pressure decrease.

How does increased NaCl intake affect body fluid volumes?

It increases plasma levels of Na+ and Cl-, leading to increased osmolarity.

Which ion is the main cation in extracellular fluid?

Sodium.

What regulates sodium levels in the blood?

Aldosterone.

What is the main function of electrolytes in the body?

Control osmosis of water between body fluid compartments.

What condition results from losing more water than gaining?

Dehydration.

What can cause respiratory alkalosis?

Excessive loss of CO2 due to hyperventilation.

What is the main anion in intracellular fluid?

Phosphate.

What happens to blood pH during respiratory acidosis?

Blood pH decreases due to inadequate exhalation of CO2.

What is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis?

A decreased bicarbonate level or accumulation of an acid other than carbonic acid.

What is the effect of hyperventilation on blood pH?

It causes alkalosis by expelling CO2.

What are intercalated cells of the renal tubule responsible for?

Regulating bicarbonate levels in the blood.