Module 24 Flashcards
How is blood osmolarity impacted by kidney function?
They change the amount of urine that is excreted from the body. Kidneys only control water loss; they can’t make more water.
Why is it important to retain blood osmolarity (plasma osmolarity)?
To ensure that solutes diffuse in and out of the blood in the right directions.
Normal conditions (perfectly hydrated)
Under normal conditions the blood osmolarity and the cell osmolarity are the same. The same amount of water will leave the blood and enter the blood from the cell.
What happens when you’re overhydrated?
The blood has a lot of water decreasing the osmolarity. Water flows into cells causing them to swell. Kidneys will increase urine output and osmolarity of urine decreases.
What happens when you’re dehydrated?
The blood does not have a lot of water; water leaves the cells and they start to shrivel up. Osmolarity of the blood is high. Kidneys prevent water loss; little urine output and it has high osmolarity.
