Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
What is meant by ‘fluid balance’?
Fluid balance involves maintaining the proper amount of water in the body to ensure normal bodily functions.
Fluid balance is essential for cellular function and overall homeostasis.
What is meant by ‘electrolyte balance’?
Electrolyte balance refers to maintaining the proper levels of essential ions in the body.
Electrolytes are critical for nerve function, muscle contraction, and hydration.
What is meant by ‘acid-base balance’?
Acid-base balance involves regulating the pH level in body fluids for optimal cell and enzyme functioning.
Maintaining acid-base balance is crucial for metabolic processes.
Name major ways of water gain in the body.
Major ways of gain include:
* Drinking fluids
* Consuming high-water-content foods
* Water produced during cellular respiration
These sources contribute to maintaining hydration.
Name major ways of water loss from the body.
Major ways of loss include:
* Urination
* Sweating
* Breathing
* Defecation
Understanding these loss mechanisms is vital for managing hydration.
What are major extracellular fluids?
Major extracellular fluids include:
* Plasma
* Interstitial fluid
* Lymph
These fluids play key roles in nutrient transport and waste removal.
Where do you find intracellular fluid?
Intracellular fluid (ICF) is found inside the cells.
ICF is crucial for cellular processes and metabolic reactions.
Are the osmotic concentrations of ECF and ICF identical?
No, the osmotic concentrations of extracellular fluid (ECF) and intracellular fluid (ICF) are not identical.
This difference helps maintain cellular homeostasis and function.
How are fluids and electrolytes regulated in the body?
The body responds to changes in plasma volume or osmotic concentrations rather than directly monitoring fluid or electrolyte balance.
This regulation is critical for maintaining homeostasis.
List major cations inside the cell (ICF).
Major cations inside the cell include:
* Potassium (K+)
* Sodium (Na+)
* Magnesium (Mg2+)
* Calcium (Ca2+)
These cations are essential for membrane potential and cellular signaling.
List major cations outside the cell (ECF).
Major cations outside the cell include:
* Sodium (Na+)
* Potassium (K+)
* Calcium (Ca2+)
* Magnesium (Mg2+)
ECF cations are important for physiological functions.
What happens when water is lost but electrolytes are retained?
It leads to an imbalance in osmotic pressure between ICF and ECF.
This can affect cell volume and various cellular functions.
List major anions inside the cell (ICF).
Major anions inside the cell include:
* HPO4 2- (Phosphate)
* Proteins
These anions play roles in metabolic processes and cellular structure.
List major anions outside the cell (ECF).
Major anions outside the cell include:
* Cl- (Chloride)
Chloride is important for maintaining osmotic balance and electrical neutrality.
What is a buffer?
A buffer is a substance that helps stabilize the pH of a solution by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions (H+).
Buffers are vital for maintaining the body’s pH within a narrow range.
Name the 3 major buffering systems in the human body.
The three major buffering systems are:
* Protein buffering system
* Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system
* Phosphate buffering system
Each system plays a unique role in pH regulation.
How does the protein buffering system act in alkaline conditions?
In alkaline conditions, the protein buffering system releases hydrogen ions (H+).
This helps to lower the pH towards normal.
How does the protein buffering system act in acidic conditions?
In acidic conditions, the protein buffering system binds or accepts hydrogen ions (H+) to help raise the pH.
This mechanism assists in maintaining pH homeostasis.
What is the role of Calcitriol?
Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D and is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestines.
This regulation is crucial for bone health and mineral balance.
What is the function of Natriuretic peptides?
Natriuretic peptides help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance and lower blood pressure.
They are released by the heart in response to high blood pressure and volume overload.
Define Hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia is low sodium concentration in the blood.
This condition can lead to neurological disturbances.
Define Hypernatremia.
Hypernatremia is high sodium concentration in the blood.
This condition can cause dehydration and neurological issues.
Define Dehydration.
Dehydration is the lack of adequate body fluids.
It can lead to serious health complications if not addressed.
Explain hypertonic solutions.
Hypertonic solutions have higher solute concentration than the cell, causing water to move out of the cell.
This can lead to cell shrinkage.
