Hydration & Homeostasis

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to hydration and homeostasis from the lecture.

Body Fluids

Includes your body’s water and all dissolved substances, comprising approximately 60 – 70% of body weight.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid located inside the cells; accounts for 40% of body weight.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid located outside the cells; accounts for 20% of body weight.

Electrolytes

Substances that carry an electrical charge, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Osmosis

Movement of water across a membrane from an area of less concentrated solution to an area of more concentrated solution.

Osmolality

Concentration of solutes creating pressure in body fluid, measured as milliosmoles per kilogram (mOsm/kg).

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with higher osmolality than blood that causes cells to shrink.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with lower osmolality than blood that causes cells to swell.

Active Transport

The movement of electrolytes against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Fluid Intake Recommendations

Daily intake of 1,900 – 2,400 mL, with 2,700 mL for females and 3,700 mL for males.

Signs of Dehydration

Thirst, dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and decreased urine output.

Fluid Volume Excess

Condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, bounding pulses, and edema.

Calcium (Ca2+)

The most abundant electrolyte in the body, essential for muscle contraction and bone health.

Sodium (Na+)

Major cation in extracellular fluid, regulating fluid volume and blood pressure.

Potassium (K+)

Major cation in intracellular fluid, crucial for maintaining ICF osmolality and cardiac rhythm.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the vein caused by mechanical irritation or infusion of irritating solutions.

Diffusion

Movement of solute from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Acid-Base Balance

Regulation of pH in the body, primarily maintained through buffer systems and organs like the lungs and kidneys.