Isotonic
Isotonic
Isotonic (/aɪsəˈtɒnɪk/; from the Greek isos, "equal", and tonos, "tension") is a term used in various fields of medicine and biology to refer to a solution or state that has the same osmotic pressure as another solution or the body fluids.
Definition
In physiology, an isotonic solution refers to two solutions having the same osmotic pressure across a semipermeable membrane. This state allows for the free movement of water across the membrane without changing the concentration of solutes on either side.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, isotonic solutions are commonly used as intravenous fluids. These fluids have the same osmotic pressure as the body's cells and blood and are most commonly used for rehydration, and for the delivery of medications and nutrients.
Related Terms
- Hypotonic solution: A solution that has less solute and more water than another solution.
- Hypertonic solution: A solution that has more solute and less water than another solution.
- 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.
- Intravenous therapy: The infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein.
Etymology
The term "isotonic" is derived from the Greek words isos, meaning "equal", and tonos, meaning "tension". It was first used in the 19th century to describe solutions that have the same osmotic pressure.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Isotonic
- Wikipedia's article - Isotonic
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