Hypotonicity
Hypotonicity
Hypotonicity (pronounced: hi-po-to-ni-ci-ty) is a term used in medicine and biology to describe a solution that has a lower osmotic pressure than another solution. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hypo' meaning 'under' and 'tonos' meaning 'tension'.
Etymology
The term 'hypotonicity' is derived from two Greek words: 'hypo', which means 'under', and 'tonos', which means 'tension'. Thus, in a literal sense, hypotonicity refers to a state of 'under tension' or 'less tension'.
Definition
In the field of biology, hypotonicity refers to a solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution. When a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, water will move into the cell, causing it to swell. This can lead to cell lysis, a process where the cell membrane breaks down, potentially leading to cell death.
In medicine, hypotonicity is often used to describe conditions where there is a lower concentration of electrolytes and other solutes in the body's fluids, such as in the case of hyponatremia.
Related Terms
- Hypertonicity: A condition where the concentration of solutes is higher in the solution compared to another solution.
- Isotonicity: A condition where the concentration of solutes is equal in two solutions.
- Osmosis: The process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one.
- Cell lysis: The breakdown of a cell caused by damage to its plasma membrane.
- Hyponatremia: A condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypotonicity
- Wikipedia's article - Hypotonicity
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