Physiologically Important Ions and Ionic Compounds

Vocabulary flashcards covering key ions, disorders, physiological concepts, and chemical forces from the lecture notes on electrolytes and ionic compounds.

Electrolyte

An ionized salt in body fluids that carries an electrical charge and is essential for physiological functions.

Fluid Balance

Condition in which daily water gain equals water loss, maintaining proper hydration.

Electrolyte Balance

State in which daily ion intake equals ion loss, keeping ionic concentrations stable.

Non-Electrolyte

Organic molecule (carbohydrate, lipid, protein) that does not dissociate in water and carries no net charge.

Sodium Ion (Na+)

Predominant extracellular cation responsible for fluid balance and neuromuscular function.

Potassium Ion (K+)

Major intracellular cation that regulates neuromuscular activity and osmotic pressure.

Chloride Ion (Cl-)

Main extracellular anion that helps regulate osmotic pressure and forms HCl in the stomach.

Hyponatremia

Abnormally low sodium concentration in blood; often from excess water intake or organ failure.

Hypernatremia

Abnormally high sodium concentration in blood; linked to dehydration or diabetes insipidus.

Hypokalemia

Lower-than-normal potassium level in blood; may result from diuretics, vomiting, or excess insulin.

Hyperkalemia

Higher-than-normal potassium level in blood; frequently due to renal failure or cellular destruction.

Hypochloremia

Low chloride level in blood, often caused by vomiting, suction, kidney disease, or heart failure.

Hyperchloremia

High chloride level in blood, commonly associated with dehydration or kidney disorders.

Isotonic Saline

IV solution with electrolyte concentration equal to body fluids; used to restore circulating volume.

Diuretic

Medication that increases urine output, often used to remove excess sodium or potassium.

Pitting Edema

Indentation-forming swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues.

Peripheral Edema

Fluid retention and swelling in limbs or tissues away from the body's center.

Diabetes Insipidus

Condition of insufficient ADH leading to excessive urine production and potential hypernatremia.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside cells; rich in potassium ions.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid outside cells (plasma and interstitial); rich in sodium and chloride ions.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions, including electrolyte and fluid balance.

Intramolecular Force

Attractive force holding atoms together within a compound (e.g., ionic or covalent bonds).

Intermolecular Force

Attractive force between separate molecules (e.g., hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals).

Ionic Bond

Strong intramolecular attraction between oppositely charged ions (e.g., Na+ and Cl- in NaCl).

Covalent Bond

Intramolecular bond formed by sharing electron pairs between atoms.

Hydrogen Bond

Weak intermolecular attraction involving hydrogen and electronegative atoms; stabilizes DNA and protein structures.

Van der Waals Forces

Weak intermolecular forces arising from temporary dipoles between molecules.

Osmotic Pressure

Pressure that drives water movement across semi-permeable membranes due to solute concentration differences.

Neuromuscular Function

Coordinated activity of nerves and muscles, dependent on proper Na+ and K+ balance.

Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of blood pH, influenced by electrolytes such as bicarbonate and chloride.

Hypervolemia

Excess blood volume; may accompany hypernatremia and require sodium removal.

Hypovolemia

Reduced blood volume; treated by replacing free water in hypernatremia management.

Electrolyte Imbalance

Disruption in normal electrolyte levels, causing symptoms like cramps, arrhythmias, and confusion.

Kidney Failure

Impaired renal function leading to inadequate electrolyte excretion and imbalances.

Bulimia

Eating disorder with binge eating followed by purging, risking electrolyte disturbances.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by self-starvation, leading to severe electrolyte deficiencies.

Supplementation

Intake of additional nutrients or electrolytes to correct chronic deficiencies.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone regulating water reabsorption in kidneys; deficiency causes diabetes insipidus.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications that can raise serum potassium by limiting aldosterone-mediated excretion.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; may impair kidney function and alter potassium levels.

Dialysis

Medical procedure that filters blood to remove waste and correct electrolyte levels in renal failure.