Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis discussed in the lecture.

Fluid Balance

The state where various body compartments contain the required amount of water, proportioned according to their needs.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside the cells, comprising about 2/3 of the body's total fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside of cells, making up the remaining 1/3 of body fluid, primarily found as interstitial fluid and blood plasma.

Osmosis

The primary process through which water moves in and out of body compartments, driven by solute concentrations.

Electrolyte

Any substance containing free ions that make the substance electrically conductive, often essential for biological functions.

Water Intoxication

A condition resulting from excessive intake of plain water leading to a decrease in plasma Na+ concentration, causing swollen cells.

Dehydration

A state that occurs when water loss exceeds water gain, triggering thirst sensations to stimulate fluid intake.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by a blood pH below 7.35, resulting from an excess of acid.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by a blood pH above 7.45, resulting from an excess of base.

Buffer Systems

Mechanisms in the body that prevent rapid, drastic changes in pH by converting strong acids or bases into weaker forms.