Anatomy and Physiology - Chapter 25: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance

Intracellular Fluid

Fluid within a cell

Extracellular Fluid

Internal fluid located outside cells; includes interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid

Plasma

The fluid portion of the blood

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid between the cells

Electrolytes

Chemical compounds that dissociate into ions in water

Metabolic Water (Water of Oxidation)

Water produced from cellular metabolism (about 10% of our body’s water)

Insensible Water Loss

Water that vaporizes out of the lungs in expired air or diffuses directly through the skin

Sensible Water Loss

Water loss that can be measured

Dehydration

Condition of excessive water loss

Hyponatremia

Abnormally low concentrations of sodium ions in extracellular fluid

Edema

Abnormal increase in the amount of interstitial fluid, causes swelling

Electrolyte Balance

Refers to the balance between input and output of salts (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) in the body

Aldosterone

Hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion by the kidneys

Addison’s Disease

A deficiency in aldosterone

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

A hormone released by cells in the heart atria that lowers blood pressure and volume by inhibiting sodium and water retention and reducing vasoconstriction

Estrogens

Hormones that stimulate female secondary sex characteristics; female sex hormone

Progesterone

Hormone partly responsible for preparing the uterus for the fertilized ovum

Glucocorticoids

Adrenal cortex hormones that increase blood glucose levels and aid the body in resisting long term stressors

Hypocalcemia

Deficiency of blood calcium in blood

Hypercalcemia

High calcium levels in blood

Parathyroid Hormone

Hormone released by the parathyroid glands that regulates blood calcium level

Acid base balance

Situation in which the pH of the blood is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45

Alkalosis

State of abnormally low hydrogen ion concentration in the extracellular fluid

Acidosis

State of abnormally high hydrogen ion concentration in the extracellular fluid

Chemical Buffer

System of one or more compounds that resists change in pH when a strong acid or base is added

Bicarbonate Buffer System

Chemical system that helps maintain pH homeostasis of the blood

Volatile Acid

An acid that can be eliminated by the lungs; carbonic acid is converted to CO2, which diffuses into the alveoli

Nonvolatile (fixed) acids

Acid generated by cellular metabolism that must be eliminated by the kidneys

Hyperventilation

An increase in the depth and rate of breathing that is in excess of the body’s need for removal of carbon dioxide