homeostasis & fluid compartments

Homeostasis

The process of an organism maintaining a stable internal environment in response to external changes.

Cells

The basic structural and functional units of life that carry out essential processes like metabolism, energy production, and reproduction.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities, acting as a protective barrier. example: skin

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs, composed of cells, fibers, and extracellular matrix. example: bone, blood, cartilage, etc.

Muscle Tissue

Tissues responsible for movement, capable of contracting and relaxing.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that makes up the nervous system, responsible for sending and receiving signals throughout the body.

Organs

Structures composed of different tissues that work together to perform specific tasks.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform specific functions necessary for the body to operate properly.

Fluid Compartments

Different areas in the body where fluids are distributed, crucial for transporting nutrients and maintaining homeostasis.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside the cells, making up about 60% of the body’s fluid, essential for cellular function.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside the cells, making up about 40% of the body’s total fluid, facilitating substance exchange.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid found between cells in tissues, making up about 75% of ECF, allowing material movement in and out of cells.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood, making up about 20-25% of ECF, transporting blood cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste.

Transcellular Fluid

A small portion of ECF located in specialized areas like cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid.

Osmosis

The movement of water between compartments to maintain fluid balance.

Diffusion

The movement of solutes between compartments based on concentration differences.