Front | Back |
Fluid
|
A substance composed of molecules that move past one another freely. fluids are characterized by their ability to conform to the shape of whatever container holds them
|
Intracellular fluid
|
The fluid held at any given time within the walls of the body's cells
|
Estracellular fluid
|
The fluid outside the body's cells, either in the body's tissues; as the liquid portion of blood, called plasma; or as digestive juices
|
Electrolyte
|
A substance that disassociates in solution into positively and negatively charged ions and is thus capable of carrying an electrical current
|
Ion
|
Any electrically charged particle, either positively or negatively charged
|
Solvent
|
A substance that is capable of mixing with and breaking apart a variety of compounds. Water is an excellent solvent
|
Blood volume
|
The amount of fluid in blood
|
Thirst mechanism
|
A cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus that stimulate our conscious desire to drink fluids in response to an increase in the concentration of salt in our blood or a decrease in blood pressure and blood volume
|
Metabolic water
|
The water formed as a byproduct of our body's metabolic reactions
|
Insensible water loss
|
The loss of water from the skin in the form of sweat and from the lungs during breathing
|
Diuretic
|
A substance that increases fluid loss via the urine. Common diuretics include coffee, tea, cola, and other caffeine-containing beverages, as well as prescription medications for high blood pressure and other disorders
|
Hypernatremia
|
A condition in which blood sodium levels are dangerously high
|
Hyponatremia
|
A condition in which blood sodium levels are dangerously low
|
Hyperkalemia
|
A condition in which blood potassium levels are dangerously high
|
Kypokalemia
|
A condition in which blood potassium levels are dangerously low
|