Osmoregulation
Osmoregulation
Osmoregulation (pronunciation: /ˌɒsmoʊˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/) is a physiological process that organisms use to maintain water balance in their bodies. It involves the regulation of osmotic pressure to keep the body's fluids from becoming too diluted or too concentrated.
Etymology
The term "osmoregulation" is derived from two words: "osmo," which comes from the Greek word "osmos," meaning "push," and "regulation," which refers to the process of controlling or maintaining something.
Process
Osmoregulation involves the movement of water and solutes across cell membranes to maintain a balance of fluids. This process is crucial for the survival of both unicellular organisms and multicellular organisms. In humans, osmoregulation is primarily carried out by the kidneys, which filter the blood and excrete excess water and solutes in the form of urine.
Related Terms
- Osmosis: The process by which water molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
- Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.
- Hypertonic: A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cell. Water moves out of the cell causing it to shrink.
- Hypotonic: A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than the cell. Water moves into the cell causing it to swell.
- Isotonic: A solution with the same concentration of solutes as the cell. There is no net movement of water.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Osmoregulation
- Wikipedia's article - Osmoregulation
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