Solutions, Body Fluids and Electrolytes.

Solution

A mixture where the parts are completely blended into one layer and cannot be separated by spinning or settling.

Solute

The substance that gets dissolved in a solution; the smaller part that mixes into the solvent.

Solvent

The liquid that does the dissolving; the larger part of a solution that the solute mixes into.

Electrolyte solution

A liquid that contains charged particle ions.

Cations

Ions that have a positive charge.

Anions

Ions that have a negative charge.

Colloid

A mixture where medium-sized particles are evenly mixed and stay suspended.

Suspension

A mixture where large particles float in liquid and will settle to the bottom over time.

Dissolve

To spread out evenly in the solvent so you cannot see separate particles.

Dissociate

When the solute breaks apart into ions as it dissolves.

Solubility

How easily a substance dissolves.

Dilute Solution

A solution that has only a small amount of solute.

Saturated Solution

A solution that is full and has dissolved as much solute as possible at that temperature.

Supersaturated Solution

A solution that has more solute dissolved than normally possible, achieved by heating and then cooling rapidly.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane to balance solute concentration.

Osmotic pressure

The pulling force that draws water across a semipermeable membrane to balance solute concentration.

Osmolality

The ratio of solute particles to solvent.

Starling forces

The forces that govern fluid movement in and out of blood vessels.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by fluids in the blood vessels pushing water out into tissues.

Oncotic pressure

The pulling force exerted by proteins in the blood that draws water back into the capillaries.

Isotonic solution

A solution that has the same solute concentration as body fluids; no net water movement.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than body fluids; causes cells to shrink.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than body fluids; causes cells to swell.

Body water

Often referred to as the universal solvent, as it dissolves many substances.

'Like dissolves like' principle

The concept that polar substances tend to dissolve in polar solvents, and non-polar substances in non-polar solvents.

Effect of Temperature on Solubility

Warmer liquids increase the solubility of most solids due to increased molecular energy.

Gas solubility and pressure

Higher pressure pushes more gas into liquid, increasing solubility (e.g., in soda).

Concentration effect on solubility

A higher concentration of solute generally decreases the ability for more solute to dissolve.

Normal saline

A 0.9% sodium chloride solution used as a reference for isotonic solutions.

Fluid movement in capillaries

Driven by the balance of hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure, facilitating nutrient exchange.

Capillary end dynamics

At the arterial end, hydrostatic pressure dominates and at the venous end, oncotic pressure is stronger.

Cell response to hypertonic solution

Water will move out of the cell, leading to cell shrinkage.

Cell response to hypotonic solution

Water will move into the cell, potentially causing it to swell or burst.

Semipermeable membrane

A barrier that allows some substances, like water, to pass while inhibiting others, like large solute particles.

Sodium chloride

Commonly known as table salt; used to illustrate osmotic effects in biological systems.

Fluid balance in tissue

Precision in the regulation of fluids between blood vessels and surrounding tissues.

Impact of colloids on water retention

Colloids hold water tightly, resulting in minimal free water movement.

Temperature's definition in solubility context

The measure of thermal energy that affects how well substances dissolve.

Nutrient delivery through capillaries

Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to cells via fluid movement influenced by pressure gradients.