Mixture
Mixture
Mixture (/ˈmɪkstʃər/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to describe a combination of different substances, where these substances retain their own properties. The term has its roots in the Middle English word "mixtura", which is derived from the Latin "mixtus", meaning "to mix".
Definition
In the medical context, a mixture is often used to refer to a combination of two or more substances that are combined together without any chemical bonding. These substances can be separated by physical means, such as filtration or evaporation. Mixtures can be either homogeneous (uniform composition) or heterogeneous (non-uniform composition).
Types of Mixtures
There are two main types of mixtures in medicine:
- Homogeneous Mixture: This type of mixture has a uniform composition throughout. An example of a homogeneous mixture in medicine is a solution, where a solute is completely dissolved in a solvent.
- Heterogeneous Mixture: This type of mixture does not have a uniform composition throughout. An example of a heterogeneous mixture in medicine is a suspension, where small particles of a substance are dispersed throughout a liquid but not dissolved.
Use in Medicine
Mixtures are commonly used in medicine for various purposes. For example, they can be used to create medicinal drugs that combine multiple active ingredients to treat multiple symptoms or conditions at once. They can also be used to create intravenous fluids that contain a mixture of water, electrolytes, and other substances to hydrate patients and replenish lost fluids.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mixture
- Wikipedia's article - Mixture
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