Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis important for understanding concepts in physiology and pathology.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

ICF

Intracellular fluid; the fluid within cells, making up about two-thirds of the body's water.

ECF

Extracellular fluid; the fluid outside of cells, making up about one-third of the body's water.

Osmosis

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

Hypertonic solution

A solution that causes fluid to shift out of the cell into the intravascular space, leading to cell shrinkage.

Hypotonic solution

A solution that causes fluid to shift into the cell from the intravascular space, leading to cell swelling.

Anasarca

Generalized edema or swelling throughout the body.

Tonicity

The ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water.

ADH (antidiuretic hormone)

A hormone released from the posterior pituitary gland that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Hypernatremia

High serum sodium levels (>145 mEq/L) that can cause neurological dysfunction.

Hyponatremia

Low serum sodium levels (<135 mEq/L) that can lead to neuromuscular dysfunction and GI disturbances.

Chloride

The major extracellular anion that helps maintain fluid balance and acid-base balance.

Hyperkalemia

High serum potassium levels (>5 mEq/L) that can cause cardiovascular and neuromuscular dysfunctions.

Hypokalemia

Low serum potassium levels (<3.5 mEq/L) leading to cardiovascular issues and neuromuscular dysfunction.

Calcium

An essential mineral necessary for bone health, muscle function, and signaling in the human body.

Metabolic acidosis

A condition characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate or an increase in acid, resulting in a lower pH.

Metabolic alkalosis

A condition characterized by an increase in bicarbonate or a decrease in acid, resulting in a higher pH.

Respiratory acidosis

A condition caused by CO2 retention leading to an increase in hydrogen ions, resulting in a lower pH.

Respiratory alkalosis

A condition caused by excess exhalation of CO2 leading to a decrease in hydrogen ions, resulting in a higher pH.

Buffers

Chemicals that help maintain pH by combining with acids or bases.