Plasma osmolality
Plasma Osmolality
Plasma osmolality (pronounced: plaz-muh oz-moh-lal-i-tee) is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood plasma. It is a crucial factor in maintaining the body's homeostasis and is typically used in medical diagnostics to evaluate a patient's hydration status, electrolyte balance, and kidney function.
Etymology
The term "plasma osmolality" is derived from two words. 'Plasma' comes from the Greek word 'plasma' meaning 'something formed or molded', referring to the liquid component of blood in which cells and proteins are suspended. 'Osmolality' is derived from 'osmosis', a term coined by Thomas Graham in 1854, and the suffix '-ality', which denotes a state or condition.
Definition
Plasma osmolality is defined as the number of osmoles (Osm) of solute per kilogram of solvent (water) in the plasma. It is usually expressed in milliosmoles per kilogram (mOsm/kg). The normal range for plasma osmolality is approximately 275 to 295 mOsm/kg.
Measurement
Plasma osmolality can be measured directly using osmometry or estimated using a formula that takes into account the concentrations of sodium, glucose, and urea in the blood.
Clinical Significance
Abnormal plasma osmolality can indicate various medical conditions. High plasma osmolality (hyperosmolality) can be caused by dehydration, diabetes, or kidney disease. Low plasma osmolality (hypo-osmolality) can be a sign of overhydration, liver disease, or certain hormonal imbalances.
Related Terms
- 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.
- Osmolality: A measure of the number of dissolved particles per unit of water in the body.
- Osmolarity: A measure of the total concentration of solute particles in a solution.
- Osmoregulation: The homeostatic regulation of the osmotic pressure of an organism's body fluids to maintain the homeostasis of the organism's water content.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plasma osmolality
- Wikipedia's article - Plasma osmolality
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