Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, helpful for understanding physiological concepts.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid inside cells that accounts for 2/3 of total body fluid.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells, making up one-third of total body fluid, including plasma and interstitial fluid.

Nonelectrolytes

Substances that do not dissociate in water, examples include glucose and lipids.

Electrolytes

Substances that dissociate into ions in water, examples include NaCl and MgCl2.

Osmolality

Measure of solute concentration in body fluids, maintained around 280-300 mOsm.

Regulation of Water Intake

Governed by thirst mechanism activated by the hypothalamic thirst center.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that regulates water reabsorption in kidneys based on blood osmolality.

Dehydration

Loss of ECF water that can lead to symptoms like weight loss and confusion.

Edema

Abnormal accumulation of interstitial fluid, resulting in tissue swelling.

Aldosterone

Hormone that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys and affects fluid balance.

Hyperkalemia

Increased ECF potassium levels that can decrease resting membrane potential in cells.

Hypocalcemia

Low calcium levels in ECF that increase neuromuscular excitability.

Acidosis

Condition where arterial pH is less than 7.35 due to increased H+ concentration.

Alkalosis

Condition where arterial pH is greater than 7.45, indicating decreased H+ concentration.

Renin-Angiotensin Mechanism

Main trigger for aldosterone release, helping to regulate blood pressure and volume.

Bicarbonate Reabsorption

Kidneys replenish alkaline reserve in the ECF by reabsorbing bicarbonate from the filtrate.

Chemical Buffers

Immediate response mechanisms to regulate pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases.