Hydrostatic pressure measures the force of a fluid at rest, while colloidal osmotic pressure is the strain of blood plasma proteins attracting water into the circulatory system. Breast cancer shows a marked drop in hydrostatic pressure and an increase in colloidal osmotic pressure, causing loss of tumor vessels. Ascites is treated with low-sodium diets and […]
Osmotic demyelination is a complication that occurs when electrolyte imbalances are rapidly corrected, causing the myelin sheath to deteriorate. It can cause symptoms such as headaches and impaired mobility, and is often seen in patients with underlying medical conditions. There is no cure, and treatment usually consists of symptomatic relief and physical therapy. Diagnostic tests […]
Osmotic demyelination is a complication caused by rapid electrolyte correction, leading to myelin sheath deterioration. Symptoms depend on the affected neurons, and there is no cure. Treatment involves symptomatic relief and physical therapy. It is a medical emergency, and diagnostic tests pinpoint the affected area. The condition can occur in the brain and spine, and […]
Osmotic diuresis occurs when the kidneys cannot reabsorb solutes, leading to increased urination and loss of water, potentially causing hypovolemia. It can be caused by pharmacological diuretics, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, or disease states that affect the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb solutes. Osmotic diuretics like mannitol can be used to treat conditions like hypertension, cerebral […]
Osmosis is a specialized type of diffusion due to the selective permeability of cell membranes. Osmotic concentration is the volume of water held in a solution due to its movement across a membrane. The rate of diffusion and osmotic concentration are determined by particle motion, affected by size, shape, charge, and temperature. Selectively permeable membranes […]
Osmotic diarrhea is caused by ingesting something that draws water into the intestines, often due to an intolerance to certain sugars. Symptoms include frequent watery stools, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Treatment involves avoiding the trigger and replenishing lost fluids. Infants, young children, and the elderly are at higher risk of dehydration and should seek medical […]
Osmotic pressure is a force that resists osmosis and is important in human biology and plant cell walls. It protects cells from dilution and helps plants maintain turgidity. The osmotic pressure equation is P = nRT/V. Osmotic pressure is a volumetric force that resists the natural process of osmosis. It is most often referenced in […]
