Osmotic pressure

Definition

Osmotic pressure is the pressure required to prevent the flow of a solvent across a semipermeable membrane separating two solutions with different concentrations. It is crucial in maintaining fluid balance within cells and tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Osmotic pressure plays a critical role in regulating the movement of fluids between the intracellular and extracellular compartments.
2. It is directly proportional to the solute concentration; higher solute concentration results in higher osmotic pressure.
3. In clinical settings, osmotic pressure helps explain how intravenous fluids can influence patient hydration and electrolyte balance.
4. Osmosis, driven by osmotic pressure, impacts drug absorption and distribution within the body.
5. The concept is essential for understanding conditions like edema, where fluid accumulates in tissues due to imbalances in osmotic pressures.

Review Questions

• What determines the magnitude of osmotic pressure?
• How does osmotic pressure affect fluid balance within the human body?
• Why is understanding osmotic pressure important for administering intravenous fluids?

Related terms

Semipermeable Membrane:

A barrier that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through by diffusion.

Edema:

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, often related to imbalances in osmotic pressures.

Hydration:

The process of causing something to absorb water, crucially influenced by osmotic pressures.