Explain tonicity and how best to test it

What will be an ideal response?


The tonicity of a solution is the effect the solution has on cell volume -- whether the cell remains the same size, swells, or shrinks -- when the solution surrounds the cell. The tonicity of a solution has no units and is a reflection of its concentration of non-penetrating solutes relative to the cell's concentration of non-penetrating solutes. By contrast, the osmolarity of a solution is a measure of its total concentration of both penetrating and non-penetrating solutes expressed in units of osmoles per liter. The easiest way to demonstrate the phenomenon of tonicity is to place red blood cells in solutions with varying concentrations of a non-penetrating solute.

Anatomy & Physiology

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The greatest output of electrolytes normally is in urine.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Anatomy & Physiology

Which of the following have thin walls, large lumens, an absence of smooth muscle, and are incapable of vasomotion?

A. Postcapillary venules B. Medium veins C. Venules D. Sinusoids E. Venous sinuses

Anatomy & Physiology

During accommodation for near vision, the

a. ciliary muscle does not contract. b. lens becomes more convex. c. suspensory ligaments become less taut. d. both (b) and (c) above. e. all of these answers.

Anatomy & Physiology

Just by looking at the name, the superior costal facet is probably which of the following?

A. A large projection of bone B. A rough surface C. A small pit D. A smooth articulating surface

Anatomy & Physiology