The Cellular Environment: Fluids and Electrolytes, Acids and Bases

These flashcards cover critical concepts related to the cellular environment, focusing on fluids, electrolytes, acid-base balance, and their physiological implications.

What defines the distribution of body fluids?

Body fluids are distributed among functional compartments: intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF).

What is the role of sodium in the body?

Sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid (ECF) and helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction.

What is edema?

Edema is the excessive accumulation of fluid within interstitial spaces, often resulting from increased capillary hydrostatic pressure or decreased oncotic pressure.

What are the common causes of hypernatremia?

Hypernatremia occurs when serum sodium levels exceed 145 mEq/L, often caused by excessive sodium intake, inadequate water intake, or water loss.

How does the body compensate for metabolic acidosis?

The body compensates for metabolic acidosis primarily through hyperventilation, which decreases carbon dioxide levels and raises blood pH.

What is the significance of the bicarbonate buffer system?

The bicarbonate buffer system helps maintain pH in the body by balancing levels of carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-), allowing for quick responses to pH changes.

What are the clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia?

Symptoms of hypocalcemia include tingling, muscle spasms, and increased neuromuscular excitability, potentially leading to seizures and cardiac issues.

What is the normal pH range of arterial blood?

The normal pH range of arterial blood is 7.35 to 7.45.

What is the function of potassium in the body?

Potassium is the major intracellular cation, crucial for maintaining resting membrane potential and facilitating nerve impulse transmission.

What are common causes of hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia can result from inadequate intake, excessive loss from the gastrointestinal tract or urine, and shifts into cells due to metabolic alkalosis.

How does respiratory alkalosis occur?

Respiratory alkalosis occurs due to hyperventilation, leading to decreased levels of carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) and subsequently increased blood pH.

What effect does hyperphosphatemia have in the body?

Hyperphosphatemia can lead to low serum calcium levels and symptoms similar to hypocalcemia, including muscle spasms and irritability.

What regulates the balance of calcium and phosphate in the body?

Calcium and phosphate balance is regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin.

What is metabolic alkalosis, and what are its causes?

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when bicarbonate concentration is increased, commonly due to excessive loss of metabolic acids, vomiting, or large bicarbonate intake.

How can one identify respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis is identified by a decreased pH and an increased arterial carbon dioxide pressure (Paco2) greater than 45mm Hg.

What is the anion gap, and why is it clinically significant?

The anion gap is used to distinguish different causes of metabolic acidosis by measuring the difference between primary measured cations and anions.