Water, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and mechanisms related to water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance in the human body.

Electrolytes

Ions dissolved in water that are essential for various bodily functions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions within the body.

Intracellular Fluid Compartment (ICF)

Fluid within cells that comprises about 63% of total body water.

Extracellular Fluid Compartment (ECF)

Fluid outside of cells that comprises about 37% of total body water.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure that drives fluid out of plasma into interstitial spaces.

Osmotic Pressure

Pressure that causes fluid to return to plasma and regulates fluid movement.

Thirst Centers

Brain centers that control water intake in response to dehydration.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that increases water reabsorption in kidneys and reduces urine output.

Dehydration

Condition where extracellular fluid becomes osmotically more concentrated, leading to increased ADH release.

Osmoreceptors

Receptors in the hypothalamus that respond to changes in osmotic pressure.

Electrolyte Balance

Exists when the intake of electrolytes equals the output.

Kidneys

Organs that help maintain electrolyte balance by excreting excess electrolytes in urine.

Sodium (Na+)

An essential electrolyte that regulates fluid movement and blood pressure.

Potassium (K+)

An electrolyte critical for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.

Calcium (Ca2+)

An electrolyte important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.

Aldosterone

Hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in kidney tubules.

Calcitonin

Hormone that decreases blood calcium levels.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels.

pH Scale

A scale that measures the acidity or basicity of a solution.

Acidosis

A condition resulting when pH levels drop below 7.4.

Alkalosis

A condition resulting when pH levels rise above 7.4.

Carbonic Acid

An acid formed in the body as a result of carbon dioxide hydration.

Chemical Buffer Systems

Systems that stabilize pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases.

Bicarbonate Buffer System

Buffer system that regulates blood pH by adjusting bicarbonate and carbonic acid levels.

Protein Buffer Systems

Buffers involving proteins that can accept or donate hydrogen ions.

Respiratory Excretion

Process by which the body regulates pH through the control of carbon dioxide levels.

Renal Excretion

Process by which the kidneys secrete excess hydrogen ions to regulate pH.

Weak Acid

An acid that does not fully dissociate in solution.

Strong Acid

An acid that completely dissociates in water.

Respiratory Acidosis

Condition resulting from increased carbon dioxide and carbonic acid levels.

Metabolic Acidosis

Condition caused by the accumulation of non-respiratory acids or loss of bases.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Condition resulting from decreased carbonic acid due to hyperventilation.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Condition characterized by a significant loss of hydrogen ions or gain of bases.

Urine Output

Water output from the body, regulated by kidney function.

Fluid Movement Regulation

The process governed by hydrostatic and osmotic pressures.

Body Fluid Composition

Comparison of electrolyte concentrations inside and outside cells.

External Environment

The surrounding environment that can influence body fluid homeostasis.

Hydration

The process of providing adequate fluid to maintain health.

Electrolyte Intake

Electrolytes obtained primarily from food and beverages.

Electrolyte Output

Loss of electrolytes through urine, sweat, and feces.

Homeostatic Mechanisms

Processes that maintain internal balance of water and electrolytes.

Buffers

Substances that minimize changes in pH when an acid or base is added.

Hyperventilation

Rapid or deep breathing that can lead to respiratory alkalosis.

Renal Tubules

Structures in the kidneys involved in the reabsorption of water and electrolytes.

Fluid Compartments

Different regions in the body where fluids are contained.

Sodium Reabsorption

Process enhanced by aldosterone leading to increased sodium conservation.

Phosphate Ions

Anions that have limited transport capacities and can affect pH balance.

Acid-Base Imbalances

Conditions resulting from disturbances in pH regulation.

PTH Action

Increases calcium reabsorption and promotes bone resorption.

Metabolic Products

By-products of metabolism that contribute to acid-base balance.

Sulfate Ions

Anions that may also be partially regulated by renal mechanisms.

Hydration Sources

Water intake from beverages, foods, and metabolic processes.

Urine Production

The process by which kidneys regulate water and electrolyte output.