Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid-Base Balance

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

osmolality

measures concentration of dissolved particles (solutes) in the water

Intracellular fluid

All fluid enclosed inside cells by their plasma membranes.

Extracellular fluid 

All fluid outside and surrounding the body's cells.

Plasma osmolality

 measures the concentration of solutes in blood plasma which helps determine whether the body has enough water

Osmoreceptors

located in the hypothalamus, it monitors plasma osmolality

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that helps the kidneys reabsorb water, reducing water loss in urine.

Edema

abnormal accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues

Hyponatremia

A lower- than-normal blood sodium level, usually caused by excess water or sodium loss

Hypernatremia

 A higher- than-normal blood sodium level, usually caused by water loss (dehydration) or

excess sodium

Potassium

essential for normal nerve, muscle, and heart function

Hypokalemia

Low blood potassium that may cause muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, and abnormal heart rhythms

Hyperkalemia

High blood potassium that can interfere with nerve and muscle function and may cause

dangerous cardiac arrhythmias

angiotensin II

A hormone that raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone release, helping the body retain water and sodium.

Aldosterone

helps the kidneys retain sodium and water.

Hypocalcemia

An abnormally low level of calcium in the blood. causes: Muscle cramps, tingling, and increased nerve and muscle excitability.

Hypercalcemia

An abnormally high level of calcium in the blood.

causes: weakness, fatigue, constipation, nausea, increased thirst and urination,

confusion, and kidney stones

parathyroid hormone (PTH) 

regulates calcium, A hormone released by the parathyroid glands that raises blood calcium levels.

Calcitonin

lowers calcium, released by the hyroid gland when blood

calcium is high

Bicarbonate

intracellular buffer that helps to regulate acid base balance, neutralizes excess

acids in the body.

Buffers

help prevent sudden changes in blood pH

Diuretic

A substance that increases

urine production