Gradient
Gradient (medicine)
Gradient (pronounced: /ˈɡrādēənt/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to describe a change in concentration or pressure over a distance. The term is derived from the Latin word "gradus", meaning "step".
Definition
In medicine, a gradient refers to the difference in concentration, pressure, or electrical charge between two regions. Gradients are essential for many physiological processes, including the movement of fluids and gases in the body, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the transport of substances across cell membranes.
Types of Gradients
There are several types of gradients in medicine, including:
- Concentration gradient: This refers to the difference in the concentration of a substance between two regions. It is the driving force behind diffusion, a process that moves molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- Pressure gradient: This is the difference in pressure between two regions. It is responsible for the flow of blood in the circulatory system and the movement of air in the respiratory system.
- Electrochemical gradient: This is a type of gradient that involves both a difference in concentration of ions and a difference in electrical potential. It is crucial for the function of neurons and muscle cells.
- Temperature gradient: This refers to the change in temperature per unit distance in a given direction. It is important in the regulation of body temperature.
Related Terms
- Diffusion: The process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
- Osmosis: The movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.
- Active transport: The movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.
- Passive transport: The movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane without the need for energy, typically following a concentration gradient.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gradient
- Wikipedia's article - Gradient
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