Isotonic solution
Isotonic Solution
An Isotonic Solution (pronounced: ahy-soh-ton-ik soh-loo-shuhn) is a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as another solution across a semipermeable membrane. This term is often used in the field of biology and medicine, particularly in reference to cell biology and intravenous therapy.
Etymology
The term "Isotonic" is derived from the Greek words "iso-", meaning equal, and "tonos", meaning tension. In this context, it refers to a solution that has the same tonicity or osmotic pressure as another solution.
Definition
An isotonic solution is one in which the concentration of solutes is the same both inside and outside of a cell. This balance means that there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell, although water molecules do move in and out. In medicine, isotonic solutions are commonly used as intravenous fluids because they have the same osmotic pressure as the fluids in the human body, thus preventing cell damage due to water movement.
Related Terms
- Hypotonic solution: A solution that has a lower osmotic pressure than another solution. In a hypotonic solution, water moves into cells, which can cause them to burst.
- Hypertonic solution: A solution that has a higher osmotic pressure than another solution. In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of cells, which can cause them to shrink.
- Osmosis: The process by which water molecules move from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration across a semipermeable membrane.
- Intravenous therapy: The infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein. Isotonic solutions are often used in intravenous therapy to replace lost fluids and to treat dehydration.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Isotonic solution
- Wikipedia's article - Isotonic solution
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