Fluids, Electrolytes, and pH Balance

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to fluids, electrolytes, and pH balance in the body.

Fluid homeostasis

The balance of fluids in the body, regulated by organs and physiological processes.

Intracellular fluid (ICF)

The fluid within cells, accounting for a significant percentage of total body fluid.

Extracellular fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside the cells, consisting of plasma and interstitial fluid.

Osmolarity

Total solute concentration in a solution, determining osmotic pressure.

Electrolytes

Substances that dissociate into ions in solution, carrying electrical charge.

Nonelectrolytes

Substances that do not dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.

Osmotic pressure

The pressure exerted by solutes in a solution to draw water across a semipermeable membrane.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to lose water.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing cells to gain water.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an excessive acidity of body fluids, typically with a blood pH less than 7.35.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an excessive alkalinity of body fluids, typically with a blood pH greater than 7.45.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, influencing urine concentration.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment in the body despite external changes.

Bicarbonate buffer system

A major buffer system in the blood that helps maintain optimal pH levels.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, on a scale of 0 to 14.

Fluid compartments

Different areas in the body where fluids are located, namely intracellular and extracellular compartments.

Filtration pressure

The pressure that drives fluids across capillary walls, influencing fluid movement between compartments.

Hydrostatic pressure (HP)

The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the weight of the fluid above it.

Osmotic pressure (OP)

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water into a solution through a semipermeable membrane.

Kidneys

Organs responsible for filtering blood, regulating electrolytes, and maintaining fluid balance.

Phosphate buffer system

A buffer system that helps maintain the pH of intracellular fluid and urine.