Physiology of Body Fluids

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the physiology of body fluids.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cells, comprising about 55% of total body water.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside of cells, accounting for approximately 45% of total body water.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid present between the cells; makes up about 80% of extracellular fluid.

Blood plasma

The fluid portion of the blood that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Hypotonic hydration

A condition where extracellular fluid is diluted, causing sodium levels to fall and tissue cells to swell.

Electrolytes

Charged ions in body fluids that maintain fluid balance and are essential for various physiological functions.

Passive transport

Movement of substances across a membrane from higher to lower concentration without the use of metabolic energy.

Active transport

Movement of substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy and specific carrier proteins.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest; influences the movement of fluid within body compartments.