1.2 Fluid, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance, essential for understanding physiology.

Intrinsic Factor

A protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with the same osmolality as the cell interior, where cells retain their normal shape.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes than the cell interior, leading to cell shrinkage.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with lower solute concentration than the cell interior, causing cells to swell.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from areas of low solute concentration to high.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that have an electric charge and are essential for various bodily functions.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Capillary Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure of blood against the capillary walls that facilitates fluid movement.

Capillary Oncotic Pressure

The pressure exerted by proteins in the blood plasma that attracts water into the bloodstream.

Net Filtration Pressure

The difference between the forces that favor filtration and those that oppose it across a capillary wall.

Aldosterone

Hormone that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion by the kidneys.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

Hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Hyponatremia

Condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood.

Hypernatremia

Condition characterized by high sodium levels in the blood.

Potassium Adaptation

The body's ability to adjust to increased potassium levels over time.

Hypokalemia

Condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood.

Hyperkalemia

Condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the body to maintain physiological functions.

Phosphate Role

Essential for energy transfer and bone mineralization.

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, determined by hydrogen ion concentration.

Buffers

Substances that help maintain pH balance by neutralizing acids and bases.

Acidosis

A condition characterized by an excessive acidity of body fluids.

Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an excessive basicity of body fluids.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition resulting from the accumulation of noncarbonic acids or loss of bicarbonate.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition resulting from an increase in bicarbonate or loss of acids.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition resulting from inadequate ventilation leading to increased carbon dioxide.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition resulting from excessive ventilation leading to decreased carbon dioxide.

Serum Electrolytes

Levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium in the blood.

Fluid Compartments

The distinct spaces in the body where fluids are distributed.

Total Body Water (TBW)

The total amount of water in the body, typically around 60% of body weight.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid found in the spaces between cells.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that holds blood cells and other substances in suspension.

Net Filtration

The process by which fluid moves from the capillaries into the interstitial space.

Starling Forces

The forces that determine the movement of fluids between the capillaries and the interstitial space.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A cellular mechanism that pumps sodium out and potassium into cells to maintain balance.

Chloride Levels

The concentration of chloride, an electrolyte that is usually proportional to sodium.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone that regulates water balance in the body by controlling urine concentration.

Hyperchloremia

Excess chloride in the blood, often associated with dehydration.

Hypochloremia

Low levels of chloride in the blood, often due to loss of fluids.

Water Deprivation

A state where there's a lack of access to water, leading to a potential dehydration.

Bicarbonate

A key buffer in the blood that helps maintain pH levels.

Carbonic Acid

An acid formed in solution when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water.

Pleural Pressure

The pressure within the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs.

Cation

A positively charged ion.

Anion

A negatively charged ion.

Hypercalcemia

High levels of calcium in the blood, which can be caused by various disorders.

Hypocalcemia

Low levels of calcium in the blood, often due to metabolic issues.

Hyperphosphatemia

High levels of phosphate in the blood, usually a result of renal failure.

Hypophosphatemia

Low levels of phosphate in the blood, often linked to malnutrition or absorption issues.

Magnesium Deficiency

A condition characterized by low magnesium levels, often leading to muscle cramps.

Acidosis vs Alkalosis

Acidosis refers to excess hydrogen ions; alkalosis refers to a deficiency of hydrogen ions.

Electrolyte Disturbance

An imbalance in the electrolytes, often leading to health issues.

Diuretics

Medications that promote the excretion of fluids through urination.

Thirst Mechanism

The body's system that triggers the sensation of thirst to maintain fluid balance.

Fluid Resuscitation

The process of restoring bodily fluids to prevent dehydration.

Hydration Status

The state of body fluid balance which can be affected by various factors.

Fluid Loss

The reduction of fluids in the body due to various factors like sweating or illness.

Urine Concentration

The amount of solutes present in the urine, affecting hydration and electrolyte balance.

Kidney Function

The filtration of blood and the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance by the kidneys.

Renal Failure

A condition where the kidneys are unable to filter waste effectively.

Endocrine Regulation

Hormonal control mechanisms that impact fluid and electrolyte balance.

Body Temperature Regulation

How the body maintains a stable temperature, which can be affected by fluid levels.

Gastrointestinal Suctioning

A medical procedure that can lead to metabolic alkalosis through fluid loss.

Weight Gain

A potential indicator of edema or fluid retention.

Weight Loss

A potential indicator of dehydration or fluid deficit.

Nutritional Factors

Dietary elements influencing hydration and electrolyte balance.

Osmoreceptor Function

Cells that detect changes in osmolarity and help regulate thirst and ADH release.

Cytoplasmic Fluid

Fluid within cells, primarily composed of water, electrolytes, and proteins.

Hydrostatic vs Oncotic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out; oncotic pressure pulls fluid in.

Concentration Gradient

The gradual difference in solute concentration between two areas.

Fluid Compartment Shifts

Movement of fluids between different compartments in the body, affecting balance.

Renal Tubules

Structures in the kidneys where reabsorption and secretion of electrolytes occur.

Cell Membrane Potential

The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane, influenced by ions.

Osmolarity

The concentration of solutes in a solution, impacting fluid movement.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones that can influence fluid and electrolyte balance, such as aldosterone.

Calorie Intake

The energy consumption that can impact hydration and metabolic processes.

Mucosal Absorption

The process by which nutrients and water are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Physiological Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Clinical Applications

Practical uses of knowledge in managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances in medicine.

Osmoregulation

The process of regulating water and electrolyte balance in the body.

Fluid Therapy

Use of fluids in medical treatment to restore or maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.

Sodium Regulation

The mechanisms by which the body maintains sodium balance, crucial for overall homeostasis.

Electrolyte Replacement

Administering electrolytes to treat deficiencies or imbalances.