Chapter 03 - Basic Cell Physiology Flashcards
acidosis
A pathologic condition resulting from the accumulation of acids in the body.
alkalosis
A pathologic condition resulting from the accumulation of bases in the body.
anion
An ion that contains an overall negative charge.
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that signals the kidneys to prevent excretion of water.
buffers
A substance or group of substances that controls the hydrogen levels in a solution.
capillary beds
The terminal ends of the vascular system where fluids, food, and wastes are exchanged between the vascular system and the cells of the body.
cation
An ion that contains an overall positive charge.
cellular perfusion
The ability of a cell to take in and maintain water levels.
concentration gradient
The natural tendency for substances to flow from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, either within the cell or outside the cell.
depolarization
The rapid movement of electrolytes across a cell membrane that changes the cells overall charge. This rapid shifting of electrolytes and cellular charges is the main catalyst for muscle contractions and neural transmissions.
diffusion
A process in which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
edema
The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid i the extracellular spaces of body tissues, causing swelling of the affected area.
electrolytes
Charged atoms or compounds that result from the loss or gain of an election. Electrolytes are ions that the body uses to perform certain critical metabolic processes.
fluid reserves
Areas in the body from which fluid can be “borrowed” to maintain vascular volume.
hydrophilic
Water-loving
hydrophobic
Water-fearing
hyperkalemia
High levels of potassium.
hypercalcemia
High serum calcium levels.
hypertonic solution
A solution that has a higher concentration of sodium that does the cell; the increased extracellular osmotic pressure lets water flow into the cell, causing it to swell and possible burst.
interstitial
Water between the vascular system and the surrounding cells (for example, between the membranes of two cells located outside the vascular compartment in the body).
intravascular
The water portion of the circulatory system surrounding the blood cells (for example, in the heart, arteries, or veins).
ions
Charged atoms or compounds that result from the loss or gain of an electron.
hypocalcemia
Low serum calcium levels.
hypokalemia
Low levels of potassium.
isotonic solution
A solution that has the same concentration of sodium as does the cell. In this case, water does not shift, and no change in cell shape occurs.
lysis
The rupturing of a cell caused by either the presence of certain enzymes or the uncontrolled influx of material into the cell.
metabolic
The breakdown of ingested foodstuffs into smaller and smaller molecules and atoms that are used as energy sources for cellular function.
osmosis
The diffusion of water across a cell membrane.
osmotic pressure
Pressure created against the cell wall by the presence of water.
pH
A measure of acidity of a solution.
phospholipid bilayer
The cell membranes double layer, consisting of a hydrophilic outer layer composed of phosphate groups, and a hydrophobic inner layer made up of lipids, or fatty acids. It is this structure and composition that allows the cell membrane to have selective permeability.
selective permeability
The ability of the cell membrane to selectively allow compounds into the cell based on the cells current needs.
sodium/potassium (NA+/K+) pump
The mechanism by which the cell brings in two potassium (K+) ions and releases three sodium (NA+) ions.
tonicity
The osmotic pressure of a solution, based on the relationship between sodium and water inside and outside the cell, that takes advantage of their chemical and osmotic properties to move water to areas of higher sodium concentration.
