Week 2 - Cells Flashcards
Differentiation
A process by which unspecialised cells become specialised in structure and function
Intracellular Fluid
The fluid in the cytosol of cells
Extracellular Fluid
The fluid exterior to cells; includes the interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and fluid found in other reservoirs in the body
Plasma
In blood, the liquid extracellular matrix composed mostly of water that circulates the formed elements and dissolved materials throughout the cardiovascular system
Interstitial Fluid
The fluid in the small spaces between cells not contained within blood vessels
Cation
An atom with a positive charge
Anion
An atom with a negative charge
Passive Transport
A form of transport across the cell membrane that does not require input of cellular energy
Active Transport
A form of transport across the cell membrane that requires input of cellular energy
Diffusion
The movement of a substance from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration
Osmosis
The diffusion of water molecules down their concentration gradient across a selectively permeable membrane
Osmolarity
The concentration of a solution expressed as the total number of solute particles per litre.
Tonicity
The capability of a solution to modify the volume of cells by altering their water content
Isotonic
Describes a solution concentration that is the same as a reference concentration
Hypertonic
Describes a solution concentration that is higher than a reference concentration
